What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic Headache is a secondary headache linked to structures in the neck, such as joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain commonly begins in the neck and spreads toward the back, side, or front of the head. Neck movement, posture, or pressure on sensitive tissues may influence the symptoms.
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
Neck-related headache
Often discussed with
Headache Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Cervicogenic Headache
- Neck structures contribute to the head pain.
- Neck movement and posture may affect symptoms.
- Migraine and cervicogenic headache are not the same condition.
How Cervicogenic Headache Works
Cervicogenic Headache works through pain signals from the upper neck that the nervous system may interpret as head pain. The source can involve the cervical spine, nearby joints, muscles, or nerves. Symptoms may remain on one side, and neck motion can change their intensity or location.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Facet Joint, Forward Head Posture.
Assessment considers the symptom pattern, neck movement, posture, and tenderness around involved tissues. A clinician may compare neck range of motion with the headache pattern to see whether the findings fit together. Referred pain explains why discomfort can be felt in the head even when the contributing tissue sits in the neck.
From the Advanced Injury Care Clinic team
When we assess a possible cervicogenic headache, we review the neck history and observe how movement relates to the symptoms. Our team also considers posture, joint motion, and soft-tissue sensitivity within the broader Headache Treatment plan.
Cervicogenic Headache in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person develops pain that starts near the upper neck and spreads behind one eye after prolonged desk work. Neck rotation also increases the discomfort, which gives the clinician a reason to examine the neck as a possible source.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the spinal column located in the neck. The cervical…
Facet Joint
A facet joint is a small spinal joint that connects the bones at the back of…
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests in front of the…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is a pain sensation felt in an area away from the tissue causing it…
Advanced Injury Care Clinic
Have Questions About Cervicogenic Headache?
Contact Advanced Injury Care Clinic for practical guidance on Cervicogenic Headache and related chiropractor work in Hermitage.