Cervicogenic Headache: Back-of-Head Pain and Neck Tension Q&A

Many people describe a headache that squeezes the head and pulls all the way from the back of the neck to the back of the head. This kind of headache may not be just a head problem — it may be a cervicogenic headache caused by tension in the neck muscles. We've organized the causes and management tips in the order of the questions we hear most often.

Why Does It Pull Up to the Back of My Head?

It's often caused by a forward head posture. When this posture continues, the muscles at the back of the neck stay tense without rest, strain builds up in certain spots, and the muscles become stiff and hard. When that tension spreads to the back of the head, it becomes a pulling headache.

Three Features of Cervicogenic Headache

1. It starts in the neck and spreads — Neck stiffness leads to pulling at the back of the head, then a squeezing feeling around the head.

2. It worsens the longer you sit — Looking at a computer or phone for long periods with your head pushed forward plays a role.

3. It becomes more frequent — You feel stiff all day, don't feel refreshed after sleeping, and headaches come more often.

Does This Apply to Me?

• You have headaches that pull up to the back of your head
• Your neck and shoulders always feel stiff
• You spend long hours sitting
• Even after a massage, the pain soon returns

If so, consider a headache that originates in the neck — a cervicogenic headache.

Treating Only the Headache Means It Keeps Coming Back

Because the cause is often in the neck, it improves when the neck is managed too. Release tension in the muscles around the neck, reduce forward head posture, avoid holding the same position for long periods, and skip stretches that forcefully crack or bend the neck.

How Is It Evaluated at the Clinic?

At Ssukssuk Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic near Bangbae Station, we don't treat headaches as a head-only problem — we check the neck and muscles as well. After examining neck movement, muscle tension, and pain trigger points, we focus on preventing recurrence through muscle relaxation treatment, manual therapy, and posture correction.

The Bottom Line

Headaches that pull up to the back of the head are common but tend to recur. If your neck feels stiff too, don't treat it as just a headache — if it keeps returning, have it checked.

Last reviewed : 2026-10-07 This article provides general medical information. Individual diagnosis and treatment plans are determined through an in-person consultation.