Can Neck Tension Cause Migraines?
Yes—and in many cases, it’s one of the most overlooked causes.
Most patients think of migraines as a neurological or hormonal issue. While those factors do play a role, many chronic migraine sufferers also have significant muscle tension and trigger points contributing to their symptoms.
This is especially true for people who:
– Work at a desk for long hours
– Experience high levels of stress
– Have poor posture or forward head positioning
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are tight, irritated areas within muscle that can:
– Reduce local blood flow
– Increase sensitivity in the nervous system
– Refer pain to other areas of the body
In the case of migraines, these trigger points often refer pain into the head.
How Neck Muscles Can Cause Headaches
Several key muscles are commonly involved:
– Suboccipital muscles (base of the skull)
– Temporalis (side of the head)
– Upper trapezius
– Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
When these muscles become tight or overactive, they can:
– Create tension at the base of the skull
– Alter blood flow
– Increase pressure and pain signaling
This can either:
– Trigger a migraine
– Or make an existing migraine worse
The Most Overlooked Areas
In clinical practice, two of the most commonly missed areas are:
– Suboccipitals
– Temporalis
Why This Is Often Missed in Conventional Care
Most migraine treatments focus on:
– Medication
– Neurological pathways
– Hormonal factors
While these are important, muscle dysfunction is often not evaluated or treated thoroughly.
A Clinical Approach to Treating Trigger Points
As a practitioner trained directly under Jan Dommerholt and an assistant instructor with Myopain Seminars, I take a structured approach to identifying and treating trigger points.
Treatment may include:
– Dry needling
– Soft tissue therapy
– Cupping
– Instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques (IASTM/Graston)
The goal is to:
– Improve blood flow
– Reduce muscle tension
– Decrease referred pain into the head
How This Fits Into Migraine Treatment
Trigger points are rarely the only cause—but they are often a key piece of the puzzle.
When combined with:
– Nervous system regulation
– Lifestyle changes
– Internal support (such as personalized herbal medicine)
…the results tend to be more consistent and longer-lasting.
What Patients Typically Notice First
When trigger points are addressed properly, patients often notice:
– Reduced frequency of headaches
– Less tension at the base of the skull
– Improved mobility in the neck
– Decreased intensity of migraines over time
Who Is Most Likely to Benefit?
This approach is especially helpful for people who:
– Sit for long periods
– Experience frequent neck or shoulder tightness
– Wake up with headaches
– Feel tension building throughout the day
When Neck Tension Is Not the Only Cause
It’s important to understand that migraines are usually multifactorial.
Migraine Treatment in Orlando & Winter Park
If you’re dealing with chronic migraines and suspect neck tension may be playing a role, it’s important to have a proper evaluation.
At Orlando Alternative Health, treatment focuses on:
– Identifying trigger points and muscle dysfunction
– Addressing underlying contributors
– Creating a personalized plan
This often includes:
– Dry needling
– Acupuncture
– Soft tissue therapy
– Customized herbal medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tight neck muscles really cause migraines?
Yes. Trigger points in the neck and head can refer pain and contribute significantly to migraine patterns.
Where are migraine trigger points located?
Common areas include the suboccipitals, temporalis, upper trapezius, and SCM.
Does treating neck tension reduce migraines?
In many cases, yes—especially when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Neck tension and trigger points are one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic migraines.
When properly identified and treated, they can significantly reduce:
– Frequency
– Intensity
– Overall impact of migraines