What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic Headache is a headache that begins in the neck and sends pain into the head or face. Neck joints, muscles, discs, or nerves may contribute to the pain pattern. The headache often stays on one side and may worsen with neck movement. Assessment focuses on neck function and related symptoms.
Quick Facts About Cervicogenic Headache
Category
Referred neck pain
Used for
Classifying neck-related headaches
Common confusion
Migraine or tension headache
Also called
Neck-related headache, Cervicogenic Head Pain
Often discussed with
Headache Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Cervicogenic Headache
- Neck-related pain commonly follows a one-sided pattern.
- Neck movement may change the headache.
- A cervicogenic headache is not the same as a migraine.
How Cervicogenic Headache Works
Cervicogenic Headache develops when pain-sensitive structures in the neck refer pain toward the head. The upper neck shares nerve pathways with parts of the head and face, so irritation or reduced movement in that region may create head pain. The pattern often begins near the base of the skull and extends upward.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Lordosis, Forward Head Posture, Facet Joint.
Evaluation considers neck movement, posture, muscle tension, and the way symptoms change during activity. A facet joint or nearby muscle may contribute to the pain, although several neck structures can be involved. A cervicogenic headache may resemble a migraine or tension headache, so the symptom pattern helps guide the clinical discussion.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Newnan team
When we assess a possible cervicogenic headache, we review the neck’s movement, tenderness, posture, and symptom pattern. We also consider whether neck activity changes the head pain. Our team uses these findings to shape care within Headache Treatment and to recognize patterns that may need further medical evaluation.
Cervicogenic Headache in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person develops pain that starts near the upper neck and travels toward one side of the head after prolonged desk work. Neck rotation changes the symptoms, which helps distinguish the pattern from a headache that begins independently of neck movement.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Lordosis
Cervical Lordosis is the natural inward curve of the neck portion of the spine. This curve…
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests ahead of the shoulders…
Facet Joint
A facet joint is a small synovial joint located between adjacent vertebrae in the spine. Facet…
Muscle Spasm
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening of muscle tissue that may limit movement and…
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