This can happen when the pump is running but valves like thermostatic radiator valves have shut. A closed motorised valve will do the same.
You need to find out why the pump is trying to push water where it cannot go-hence the reason why it is pushing the hot water up the expansion pipe.
Be warned, if your header tank is plastic and the water in the tank gets too hot, then the tank could fail with devastating results
GB in Wales
February 2013