Cervicogenic Headaches
Sometimes the headache starts in your neck—even when your forehead gets all the attention.
What is it?
Cervicogenic headache is head pain referred from structures in the cervical spine. It may begin at the back of the head, spread toward the temple or eye, and be provoked by certain neck movements or sustained positions.
What causes it?
Possible contributors include cervical joint dysfunction, injury and associated muscular sensitivity. The relationship between neck findings and headache must be established clinically; neck tightness alone does not prove the diagnosis.
How do we distinguish it from other conditions?
We differentiate cervicogenic headache from migraine, tension-type headache, occipital neuralgia and serious causes. Jaw mechanics, shoulder function and neurological findings may be relevant.
How is it treated?
Chiropractic and physiotherapy may use appropriate cervical and thoracic mobilization, graded strengthening, deep neck-flexor and scapular endurance exercises, and ergonomic education. RMT addresses related neck and upper-back muscle pain; osteopathic manual practitioners can improve comfortable mobility; acupuncture may support pain management. Gentle traction may be considered in selected presentations. Care is tailored rather than relying on a single manipulation or a “perfect posture.”
When should you seek treatment?
Seek assessment when headaches repeatedly coincide with neck pain or movement restrictions. Sudden severe headache, new weakness, vision or speech changes, fever, or recent significant trauma requires urgent evaluation.
Feel better. Together.