What Causes Headaches?
Short Answer
Headaches can develop for many different reasons. Common contributors include stress, muscle tension, poor sleep, dehydration, illness, migraines, jaw tension, and irritation of muscles or joints around the neck.
In some cases, headaches may be influenced by how the neck is functioning. Dr. Ethan Marler, Chiropractor, often sees patients whose headaches are associated with neck stiffness, muscle tension, prolonged sitting, desk work, or reduced tolerance to certain positions and activities. Because headaches can have many possible causes, understanding the pattern of symptoms is often an important part of determining what may be contributing to them.
Why This Question Matters
Headaches are a symptom, not a diagnosis.
There are many different types of headaches, and different people may experience them in very different ways.
Some of the more common contributors include:
Stress and tension
Tight or irritated muscles around the neck and shoulders
Poor sleep quality
Jaw clenching or grinding
Prolonged desk work
Dehydration
Illness or infection
Migraine disorders
Neck-related irritation
Reduced tolerance to certain positions or activities
For some people, the muscles and joints around the neck can refer discomfort into the head. This is sometimes called a cervicogenic headache, meaning the headache is influenced by structures in the neck.
Tension-type headaches may also be associated with muscle tension around the neck, shoulders, jaw, or base of the skull.
Not every headache originates from the neck, which is why a thorough assessment is important when symptoms are recurring, changing, or difficult to explain.
What May Help
Depending on the situation, some people find it helpful to:
Stay hydrated
Take regular movement breaks during the day
Reduce prolonged time in one position
Pay attention to stress and tension levels
Improve sleep habits
Gradually increase physical activity if appropriate
Notice whether certain activities, positions, or situations seem to trigger symptoms
Keeping track of headache patterns can sometimes provide useful information. For example, symptoms may be more likely to occur after long workdays, poor sleep, stressful periods, or extended time at a computer.
If headaches are becoming more frequent, more intense, or more disruptive to daily life, an assessment may help identify possible contributing factors.
Dr. Marler’s Approach
Dr. Marler's first goal is to understand what type of headache may be occurring and whether the neck appears to be contributing to the symptoms.
Depending on the individual, assessment may include:
Neck mobility
Upper back movement
Muscle tension
Jaw involvement
Work and activity demands
Sleep habits
Stress levels
Previous injury history
If the neck appears to be contributing, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments when appropriate, soft tissue therapy, movement recommendations, rehabilitation strategies, and education.
The goal is not simply to chase headache symptoms. The goal is to understand what factors may be contributing to the headaches and help patients return to normal activities with greater confidence and comfort.
When to get Assessed
It may be worth booking an assessment if:
Headaches are becoming more frequent
Headaches are interfering with work or daily activities
Symptoms regularly occur alongside neck pain or stiffness
Headaches keep returning despite self-management
You are unsure what may be contributing to your symptoms
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
A sudden severe headache unlike anything you have experienced before
Headaches following significant trauma
Headaches accompanied by difficulty speaking
Sudden weakness or numbness
Vision changes
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Fever with severe headache
Other concerning neurological symptoms
Frequently asked questions
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Yes.
The neck is one of the most common contributors to headaches. In some cases, irritation or sensitivity in the joints, muscles, or other structures of the neck can refer pain into the head.
People may notice:
Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Neck stiffness accompanying headaches
Symptoms that worsen with certain neck movements
Headaches associated with prolonged sitting or desk work
Not every headache originates from the neck, but the relationship is common enough that neck function is often worth evaluating when headaches are present.
Dr. Marler frequently assesses neck mobility, movement tolerance, work demands, and headache patterns to better understand whether the neck may be contributing to symptoms.
The goal is to identify factors influencing the headaches rather than focusing solely on symptom relief.
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A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from structures in the neck.
The term literally means "headache coming from the cervical spine." These headaches may develop when joints, muscles, or other tissues in the neck become irritated or sensitive.
Common features may include:
Pain that starts in the neck and moves into the head
Headaches associated with neck stiffness
Symptoms that worsen with certain neck positions or movements
Pain on one side of the head
Cervicogenic headaches can sometimes resemble other types of headaches, which is why assessment is important.
Dr. Marler often evaluates neck mobility, headache behaviour, and daily activities to determine whether the neck may be playing a role. Understanding where symptoms are coming from can help guide appropriate treatment and self-management strategies.
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Yes.
Stress is one of the most commonly reported contributors to headaches. During stressful periods, people often experience increased muscle tension, reduced sleep quality, fatigue, changes in activity levels, and increased sensitivity to discomfort.
Many people notice headaches become more frequent during:
Busy work periods
Major life changes
Periods of poor sleep
High-stress situations
Stress-related headaches may occur alongside:
Neck tension
Jaw clenching
Shoulder tightness
Fatigue
Dr. Marler often explains that headaches are rarely caused by a single factor. Physical, lifestyle, and psychological influences can all contribute to how symptoms develop and persist.
Understanding these patterns can help people better understand why headaches occur and identify factors that may be contributing.
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Computer work often involves prolonged periods of sitting, screen use, and reduced movement, all of which can contribute to headache symptoms in some people.
Potential contributing factors include:
Neck tension
Eye strain
Reduced movement
Muscle fatigue
Stress
Prolonged concentration
Many people spend hours looking at screens without changing positions or taking movement breaks. Over time, this may contribute to symptoms involving the neck, shoulders, jaw, and head.
Dr. Marler often encourages patients to think beyond posture alone and consider overall work habits, movement opportunities, workload, and recovery.
The goal is not necessarily to eliminate computer use but to improve the body's ability to tolerate the demands of desk work while incorporating regular movement throughout the day.
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Yes.
Jaw tension and headaches frequently occur together. Many people unknowingly clench their jaw or tighten facial muscles during the day or while sleeping, particularly during stressful periods.
This may contribute to:
Temple headaches
Facial tension
Jaw discomfort
Headaches upon waking
Neck and shoulder tightness
The jaw, face, neck, and head are closely connected through muscles and the nervous system, which is why symptoms in one area can sometimes influence another.
Dr. Marler often evaluates jaw function, neck mobility, headache patterns, and lifestyle factors when assessing these types of symptoms.
The goal is to understand the broader picture rather than assuming the headache is coming from a single structure. In many cases, addressing factors contributing to jaw tension can be an important part of managing recurring headaches.