Can a Stiff Neck Joint Cause Headaches?

Yes, a stiff neck joint—especially in the upper cervical spine—can directly cause headaches, commonly referred to as cervicogenic headaches. These occur when the upper neck joints (typically C1-C3) become restricted or inflamed, sending referred pain signals to the base of the skull, temples, or even behind the eyes.

Common Signs of Cervicogenic Headaches:

• Pain starting from the neck and radiating to the head
• Reduced neck mobility or stiffness
• Headache worsened by neck movements or prolonged sitting
• Tenderness at the base of the skull
• One-sided head pain (usually on the same side as neck stiffness)

---

After Hours Physio Treatment Plan for Neck-Related Headaches

At After Hours Physio, we bring expert home-based physiotherapy right to your doorstep—ideal for non-ambulatory patients needing urgent headache and neck pain relief outside regular clinic hours.

1. Initial Assessment (At Your Home)

• Detailed history of headache patterns and neck stiffness
• Orthopaedic and neurological screening to rule out red flags
• Palpation of cervical joints and assessment of range of motion
• Postural analysis (especially for patients who sit for long hours)

2. Immediate Hands-On Treatment

• Gentle manual joint mobilisation of the upper cervical spine
• Trigger point release of tight muscles (suboccipitals, traps, levator scapulae)
• Dry needling (if appropriate and consented) to reduce muscle spasm
• Soft tissue massage to improve circulation and relieve tension

3. Pain Relief Strategies

• Application of heat or cold, depending on the acute vs. chronic presentation
• Education on sleeping posture and pillow setup
• Ergonomic advice (especially for desk-based workers)
• Gentle neck exercises to restore motion and relieve pressure

---

Post-Treatment Management Plan

Once your pain has settled, our focus shifts to long-term prevention and strengthening:

1. Tailored Home Exercise Program

• Deep neck flexor activation exercises
• Cervical range of motion stretches
• Postural correction exercises (e.g. chin tucks, scapular retraction)

2. Lifestyle & Ergonomic Advice

• Home workstation setup (for patients working remotely)
• Pillow and mattress recommendations for optimal neck support
• Advice on avoiding prolonged screen use without breaks

3. Follow-Up and Monitoring

• Scheduled follow-ups to reassess progress
• Ongoing manual therapy if needed
• Coordination with your GP if further imaging or referral is required

---

Why Choose After Hours Physio for Neck Pain & Headaches?

• We come to you—perfect for severe neck pain or mobility-limited patients
• Available outside regular hours, including weekends and public holidays
• Experienced in managing cervicogenic headaches with on-the-spot relief
• Serving patients across Blackburn, Box Hill, Doncaster, and Eastern Melbourne

---

Book an Urgent Home Visit for Neck-Related Headaches

Don’t let neck stiffness ruin your day—or night. Contact After Hours Physio for prompt, expert care at home. Relief from neck pain and headaches is just a call away.