When Pressure Builds in Your Head—Why Does It Travel to Your Neck?
It all starts with sinus congestion, maybe a cold, allergies, or sinus infection, and then your neck may start to ache. This ache could spread from the base of your skull or near your shoulders. You may begin to wonder:
“Can sinus issues cause neck pain?”
Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we often hear this question, especially during the springtime allergy season. Patients may come in with head, neck, and facial pain; or sometimes all at once. The short answer to this question is:
Yes, sinus problems may contribute to neck pain—but they’re not always the only cause.
Let’s explore the differences between simple sinus congestion and if there are deeper issues going on in our latest post here at NSC.
What Are Sinus Issues?
Sinus issues may be the result of the air-filled space within the skull which produces mucus, and subsequently drain through the small openings leading into your nose. Common sinus issues may include the following:
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Allergic reactions
- Colds or upper respiratory infections
- Blocked or inflamed sinus passages
When your sinuses become inflamed or congested, they may cause:
- Facial pressure or pain
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Eye strain
- Fatigue and brain fog
Can sinus issues actually end up causing neck pain too? Under certain conditions, yes, they can.
How Sinus Problems May Lead to Neck Pain
Referred Pain & Muscle Tension
Resulting pain from sinus inflammation, especially pain present in the frontal (forehead) and sphenoid or ethmoid sinuses (near the eyes and back of the head) may radiate to other areas of the head itself, leading into the neck area.
- This type of pain is called referred pain, and it occurs when nearby nerves share pathways.
- Your muscles may tend to stress or tense up in response to facial pressure and headaches, which may lead to neck stiffness and soreness.
Poor Posture During Illness
When you’re congested or feeling sick, you may:
- Have forward head posture or hunch forward while sitting or sleeping
- Prop your head up with too many pillows to prevent excess drainage from entering your throat
- Spend significantly more time in your bed or on your couch resting, not realizing this may be contributing to your neck pain
These habits when congested or sick may strain your cervical spine and possibly contribute to neck pain, especially if the muscles are already tightened and stressed from simultaneous sinus tension.
Increased Inflammation & Fluid Retention
Sinus infections and allergies may cause excess inflammation throughout the head and neck, including within the lymph nodes and surrounding soft tissues. This may result in:
- An uncomfortable feeling of fullness or tightness which spreads from your nose and facial area all the way to your neck and shoulders
- Possible swelling near the base of your skull and upper cervical spine area
- Noticeable pain when turning or tilting your head in normal movement patterns
Sinus Headaches & Migraines
Sinus pressure and headaches will more often than not coexist with tension headaches and migraines. Both of these may end up causing pain at the back of the head and neck.
Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we help our patients identify whether they’re experiencing:
- An actual sinus issue which can be easily resolved
- A migraine or nerve-related headache which may require further exploration to properly determine what the root cause may be
- A spinal condition which could be mimicking sinus pressure
⚠️ When It’s NOT Just Sinus-Related
While sinus issues may lead to neck discomfort, chronic or intense neck pain may signal there is a much more serious issue going on, especially when it concerns the following:
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulders or arms
- Sharp or radiating pain from the neck down
- Neck stiffness which does not improve after the sinus symptoms clear up
- Weakness in your hands or grip
- Frequent headaches with neck involvement
The above symptoms may signal a cervical spine issue, such as:
- Herniated disc in the neck
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Spinal misalignment or arthritis
- Muscle or joint dysfunction
This is where we can help determine what’s going on and create a plan of action
How Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants Can Help
Whether your neck pain is originating from your sinuses, your spine, your shoulders, your back, or anywhere else within your body, we’re here to help with our team of experts. We offer the following to help determine what’s going on:
•Comprehensive spine and neurological exams
•Cervical imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
•Diagnosis of nerve compression or spinal conditions
•Coordination with ENT or allergy specialists when needed
•Personalized treatment plans for long-term relief
We’re not just looking at the isolated area where you’re experiencing pain or discomfort. We look at the larger picture, not just your symptoms, when it comes to your overall health. Through this, you can feel confident in your diagnosis and our treatment options.
Tips for Easing Neck Pain from Sinus Issues
If your neck pain happens to be related to sinus pressure, these gentle remedies may improve symptoms:
Use Warm Compresses
Apply a warm compress to your face and upper neck area to help relieve tension, loosen mucus, and reduce stress.
Try Steam or Saline Rinses
Try to clear up your sinuses with:
- A hot shower
- Saline nasal spray
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated throughout the day will allow your body to thin out mucus and expel built up mucus, snot, and congestion. Additionally, staying hydrated will help your body better fight inflammation and help your muscles function properly.
Watch Your Sleeping Position
Sleep on a supportive pillow which keeps your neck in alignment with the rest of your body. Try to avoid sleeping in a hunched or propped-up position for extended periods of time, as this may contribute to your neck pain.
Still Dealing with Neck Pain? Let’s Get to the Root Cause
If you’re still dealing with neck pain which has started with sinus congestion, muscle strain, or something else, we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on and help you find relief.
FAQs: Sinuses & Neck Pain
Can a sinus infection cause neck stiffness?
Yes, sinus infections may cause inflammation and referred muscle pain, especially noticeable in the upper neck and base of your skull.
What part of the sinuses can affect the neck?
The sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, which are located deeper within the skull, are closest to the cervical spine area. When these areas experience inflammation, they are most likely to cause referred neck discomfort.
How do I know if it’s sinus-related or spine-related?
If your neck pain improves as your sinus symptoms improve, they’re most likely connected. If the neck pain or discomfort continues after your sinus symptoms improve, there may be other issues going on.
Should I see a neurologist or ENT?
If you’re unsure of what’s going on, we can help you with a full evaluation at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. We’ll be able to help determine whether the issue is sinus-related, neurological, or both.
Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants | Expert Care When Pain Has You Second-Guessing
Sinus pain, tension, posture, or spine—whatever’s causing your neck pain, we’ll help you get clarity and relief. Sinus issues, neck tension, or spinal issues may be causing your neck pain. Regardless of the issue at hand, we’ll help you best determine what’s going on and have you back to good health as soon as possible with assistance from our amazing team of experts here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. Contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our specialists as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.