Headache from muscle tension in the neck

Tight muscles at the back of the neck, shoulders, or base of the skull can refer discomfort into the temples, forehead, or back of the head. The pain may feel like pressure rather than a pulse and may follow desk work, phone use, awkward sleep position, stress, or jaw clenching. Neck tension can coexist with another headache pattern, so pain location alone cannot establish the cause.

Change position regularly and keep screens near eye level. Try slow shoulder rolls, gentle neck turns, and a warm pack for a short period; stop if movement causes sharp pain, dizziness, or arm symptoms. Relax the jaw, support the arms while typing, and use a pillow that keeps the neck comfortable. Rest, fluids, and label-directed pain medicine may help when suitable for you.

Seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, fever with a stiff neck, confusion, fainting, new weakness, numbness, speech or vision changes, or headache after an injury. Arrange a clinical review when neck pain follows a collision, radiates down an arm, causes tingling, or keeps returning despite posture and rest changes.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a tension-type headache, whether a physical examination or physiotherapy could help, and which exercises are appropriate. Mention your work setup, sleep position, jaw clenching, recent injury, and any arm or vision symptoms.