💢 Forward Head Posture and Headaches: How Your Neck Could Be Causing Your Pain
- Julian Simpson
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
💢 Forward Head Posture and Headaches: How Your Neck Could Be Causing Your Pain
Do you often find yourself rubbing your neck while working at your desk or scrolling on your phone?
If you’re experiencing headaches that start in the neck and creep up to the head — you might be dealing with a cervicogenic headache (CGH).
Recent research has revealed a strong connection between forward head posture (FHP) — the classic “text neck” position — and the development of these persistent, neck-related headaches. At Healthwise Chiropractic, we see this pattern every day: people with tight neck muscles, poor posture, and daily headaches that no amount of painkillers can fix.
Let’s unpack what this means — and how chiropractic care can help you break the cycle.
🧠 What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache — meaning it doesn’t start in your head, but in your neck.
It often feels like:
A dull, aching pain on one side of the head or face
Headaches that worsen with neck movement or poor posture
Stiffness or pain in the neck and shoulders
Sometimes, pain that radiates behind the eyes or up the skull
These headaches originate from dysfunction or irritation in the upper neck joints, muscles, or nerves — especially the first three cervical vertebrae (C1–C3). These areas connect closely to the nerves that transmit pain signals to the head, which is why neck problems can be felt as a headache.
📱 The “Forward Head” Problem
Modern lifestyles — hours at the computer, texting, driving, and binge-watching — have caused a dramatic rise in forward head posture (FHP).
In this position, your head juts out in front of your shoulders, placing excessive strain on the upper neck and back muscles. For every inch your head moves forward, your neck has to support an extra 4–5 kilograms of load!
Over time, this leads to:
Tight, shortened suboccipital muscles (at the base of the skull)
Weak mid-back and deep neck flexor muscles
Joint irritation in the upper cervical spine
Poor circulation and nerve tension
All of these factors contribute to the development and persistence of cervicogenic headaches.
🔍 What the Research Found
A 2024 study on Cervicogenic Headache in Forward Head Posture found that:
People with FHP had a much higher rate of cervicogenic headaches (53.8%) than those without.
Poor posture (measured by a smaller craniovertebral angle or CVA) was an independent predictor of these headaches.
Factors like poor sleep quality, higher body weight (BMI), and increased neck pain intensity were also linked.
In short: your posture, sleep, and lifestyle habits all influence your neck pain and headache frequency.
💤 Why Sleep and Stress Make It Worse
The study also highlighted that patients with cervicogenic headaches reported poorer sleep and higher stress levels.
Chronic neck tension can interfere with sleep quality — and a lack of rest amplifies pain sensitivity, creating a vicious cycle. At the same time, stress-related muscle tightening in the neck and shoulders worsens postural strain and inflammation.
This means cervicogenic headaches aren’t just a mechanical issue — they’re part of a biopsychosocial puzzle, affected by your body, mind, and daily habits.
🧘♀️ How Chiropractic Care Helps
At Healthwise Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach to managing cervicogenic headaches. Our goal is not just to mask the pain — but to correct the underlying causes:
✅ Postural correction & spinal adjustments – Realign the neck and upper back, improving nerve flow and reducing pressure on sensitive joints.✅ Soft tissue therapy & dry needling – Release chronic muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and suboccipital region.✅ Rehabilitation & strengthening exercises – Restore balance between weak and tight muscles to prevent future flare-ups.✅ Lifestyle & ergonomic advice – We help you optimize your workstation setup, phone habits, and sleep posture.
Research shows that postural correction programs can reduce headache frequency, intensity, and duration — and improve your overall neck function.
💪 Your Path to Relief
If you experience:
Headaches that start in the neck or upper back
Pain that worsens after sitting or screen use
Limited neck movement or stiffness
Relief from neck stretches or massage
…you may be dealing with a cervicogenic headache linked to forward head posture.
The good news? With the right care plan, relief is absolutely possible.
At Healthwise Chiropractic, we’ve helped many patients overcome daily headaches and reclaim comfort through targeted, posture-based chiropractic care.
🖥️ Don’t Let “Text Neck” Take Over
Your head weighs around 5kg (about the same weight as a bowling ball)— but with forward head posture, it can feel like 25kg to your neck. Over time, this creates wear and tear that can cause long-term pain and headaches.
Take care of your posture today — and your body will thank you later.
💆♂️ Book your posture assessment online with Healthwise Chiropractic and start your journey toward lasting headache relief.
Headache Chiropractor
Q: Can a chiropractor help with headaches?Yes, chiropractic care can help relieve tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches by improving spinal alignment and reducing muscle tension.
Q: How does chiropractic treat headaches?We use gentle spinal adjustments, posture correction, and muscle therapy to relieve the stress and pressure that often trigger headaches.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe for frequent headaches?Yes, chiropractic is a safe and drug-free option for many types of headaches when provided by qualified practitioners.
Q: How soon will I feel headache relief?Some patients notice improvement after their first few visits, while others may need a tailored care plan depending on the cause of their headaches.
For more information about how we can help YOU with your headaches and improve your underlying dysfunction so the problem doesn’t come back. Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!
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Usen A, Demiroz Gunduz M. Cervicogenic headache in forward head posture: frequency and associated factors in a cross-sectional study. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2025 Sep;39(3):191-199. doi: 10.22514/jofph.2025.061. Epub 2025 Sep 12. PMID: 41070580.
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