What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is head pain that actually originates in the neck rather than the head itself.
Problems in the cervical spine — its joints, discs, or muscles — refer pain upward through shared nerve pathways, creating a headache that can easily be mistaken for a migraine or tension headache. Recognising the neck as the true source is key to getting the right treatment.
Common Symptoms
A steady, dull ache that starts at the base of the skull or neck and spreads to one side of the head
Pain that worsens with certain neck movements or postures
Reduced neck range of motion accompanying the headache
Pain radiating to the forehead, temple, or around one eye
Neck, shoulder, or arm discomfort alongside the headache
Tenderness in the neck or upper shoulder muscles
Headache triggered by prolonged sitting, poor posture, or sudden neck movement
What Causes It?
- Poor posture, especially prolonged forward head position from screen use ("tech neck")
- Cervical spondylosis or age-related neck arthritis
- Whiplash injury or previous neck trauma
- Herniated cervical disc irritating nearby nerves
- Muscle tension or tightness in the neck and upper shoulders
- Prolonged desk work or driving without proper neck support
- Degenerative changes in the upper cervical spine joints
How It's Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam assessing neck posture, range of motion, and tenderness, since reproducing the headache through specific neck movements is a strong diagnostic clue.
Imaging such as X-ray or MRI helps identify underlying cervical spine issues like disc degeneration or arthritis. In some cases, a diagnostic nerve block injection confirms the neck as the headache's source.
Treatment Options
Most people find significant relief through consistent physiotherapy and posture correction, since treating the underlying neck issue typically resolves the headache far more effectively than headache medication alone.
- Physiotherapy targeting neck mobility, posture, and muscle strength
- Manual therapy and targeted neck stretching exercises
- Posture correction and ergonomic workspace adjustments
- Heat therapy to ease muscle tension
- Pain-relief or anti-inflammatory medication, as advised by a doctor
- Trigger point or nerve block injections for persistent, severe cases
When to See a Spine Specialist
- Headaches that persist despite standard headache treatment
- Neck pain and headache occurring together regularly
- Headache following a neck injury, fall, or whiplash
- Reduced neck mobility affecting daily activities
Since cervicogenic headaches are frequently mistaken for migraines, an accurate diagnosis focused on the neck helps avoid ineffective treatment and leads to faster, lasting relief.