What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic Headache is a headache caused by a problem in the neck, often involving cervical joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain commonly begins near the back of the head and may spread toward the forehead or behind one eye. Neck movement or sustained posture can increase symptoms in some people.
Quick Facts About Cervicogenic Headache
Category
Secondary headache disorder
Used for
Describing neck-related head pain
Common confusion
Often confused with migraine or tension headache
Also called
Cervical Headache, Neck-generated headache
Often discussed with
Headache And Migraine Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Cervicogenic Headache
- Pain usually starts in the neck or back of the head.
- Neck position and movement may influence symptom intensity.
- Cervicogenic headaches are not the same as migraines.
How Cervicogenic Headache Works
Cervicogenic Headache develops when structures in the cervical spine send pain signals into the head. The upper neck shares nerve pathways with parts of the head and face, so irritation in a neck joint, muscle, or nerve can feel like head pain. Symptoms may remain on one side and can change with neck movement or posture.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Forward Head Posture, Range Of Motion.
A clinical assessment looks at the relationship between neck function and headache symptoms. A provider may review symptom patterns, observe posture, and assess neck range of motion. Findings linked to the cervical spine can help distinguish this condition from a migraine, which may involve features such as light sensitivity, nausea, or an aura. Similar symptoms can overlap, so the full pattern matters.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Riverdale team
When we assess a possible Cervicogenic Headache, we review the symptom pattern and examine neck movement, posture, and related muscle tension. We use those findings to understand whether the headache appears connected to cervical structures. We also consider features that may point toward another headache type.
Cervicogenic Headache in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person develops pain at the base of the skull after extended computer work, and the pain increases when the neck turns. A neck-focused assessment helps determine whether the pattern fits a Cervicogenic Headache.
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
A cervical spine is the neck portion of the spinal column, located between the skull and…
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests ahead of the shoulders…
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the available movement at a joint or body region during a specific…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is a symptom pattern in which discomfort is felt in an area away from…
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