The Cervicogenic Headache: What It Is And How It’s Treated
Headaches are one of the most common complaints I hear from patients in my chiropractic clinic.
And understandably so, as they can be frustrating, painful, and can literally stop you in your tracks. Sometimes, the underlying cause of your headaches can be hard to pinpoint.
What many people don’t realise is that not all headaches are the same, and identifying the type of headache you’re experiencing may be key to finding lasting relief.
One lesser-known but surprisingly common form is called the cervicogenic headache. This is a headache that actually starts in the neck. Here is some more information about it, what causes it, and how you can find relief from cervicogenic headache discomfort.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is what’s known as a secondary headache. That means it's caused by an underlying issue, in this case, a dysfunction in the neck.
This could be due to restricted joint movement, muscle tension, postural strain, or even a past injury.
Cervicogenic headaches are more common in women than men.
The following data supports this:
Studies suggest a higher prevalence in women, particularly those aged between 30 and 50.
One reason may be that women are more prone to neck-related musculoskeletal conditions due to factors like posture, occupational stress, and hormonal influences.
A 2020 review published in The Journal of Headache and Pain also reported a female predominance in cervicogenic headache cases, though not as strong as in migraine.
Cervicogenic headaches differ to migraines or tension-type headaches. They typically:
Start at the base of the skull or in the neck
Radiate pain to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes
Are often one-sided, though not always
May be triggered or worsened by neck movement
May be triggered or worsened by bad postures
If this sounds familiar, it might be worth considering whether your headache is musculoskeletal in origin.
What causes cervicogenic headaches?
In my clinical experience, I’ve seen several common factors that are often linked to cervicogenic headaches. These include:
Poor posture over long periods of time, such as is common with desk work or people who look down at screens for long periods of time.
Neck restriction and reduced movement in the neck, particularly in the neck joints, and between neck vertebrae.
Muscle tightness or imbalance in the upper back, shoulders, or neck.
Previous neck injuries, including whiplash or repetitive strain.
Stress, which often results in shoulder and neck tension.
I know that the neck isn’t always the first place people associate with headaches. Commonly people think it has something to do with their head, but think about your anatomy like this…
…your neck supports the weight of your head, roughly 4.5 - 5.5 kg, and houses a complex network of nerves and muscles.
When those structures aren’t moving well, discomfort can refer upward and present as a headache, as you are all interconnected.
How a chiropractor may help
As a chiropractor, my focus is on assessing the function of the musculoskeletal system. That is, how well your joints and spine move, how your muscles are working, and whether your posture might be contributing to pain and discomfort.
I look at you as one complete unit, and aim to identify imbalances that may lead to symptoms of pain or discomfort in other areas.
Chiropractors commonly help in cases of headaches. So, to start to identify a cervicogenic headache issue, there are several key areas to look to, which may include (but are not limited to):
Postural assessment
Spine and joint assessment to identify joint restrictions or muscle tightness
Orthopaedic and neurological tests to rule out other causes
A detailed history of headache patterns, triggers, and lifestyle factors
In general, treatment options may include therapies such as:
Manual therapy to restore normal movement to affected joints
Soft tissue techniques to address muscular tension
Postural advice to minimise strain in daily activities
Gentle rehabilitation exercises to build strength and mobility in the neck and upper back
While the goal is to reduce the headache symptoms, it is also to address the underlying issue and prevent recurrence.
Realistic expectations
It’s important to acknowledge that not every headache will respond the same way to care.
Cervicogenic headaches can vary in intensity and frequency, and progress often depends on how long the issue has been present and what daily habits may be contributing to it.
When to seek help
If you experience headaches that are frequent, one-sided, worsen with neck movement, or accompanied by neck pain or stiffness, it may be worth speaking to a health professional trained in musculoskeletal assessment.
Keep in mind though, that not all headaches come from the neck.
Some may have other medical causes that require further investigation.
Final thoughts
Headaches can be complex, but they don’t have to become a normal part of your life.
If you suspect your headaches might be linked to neck tension or posture, there are practical, evidence-informed ways to manage them.
Key points
Cervicogenic headaches originate from dysfunction in the neck, often caused by poor posture, joint restrictions, or muscle tension.
They typically present as one-sided pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head, often triggered by neck movement or sustained postures.
Addressing the underlying musculoskeletal causes, such as improving posture and restoring neck mobility, may help manage symptoms and reduce recurrence.
Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Author: Dr Kirsten Strudwick (Chiropractor) is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 15+ years of experience in Marrickville, Sydney, and runs Marrickville Chiropractic Care. Holding a BSc and M.Chiro from Macquarie University, her practice focuses on holistic, patient-centred care. Kirsten has a clinical interest in a range of areas including women’s health, paediatric care, and pregnancy-related treatments.