What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by a problem in the neck, often involving the cervical joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain usually starts in the neck or back of the head and may spread toward the forehead, temple, or eye. Neck movement can increase symptoms in some people.
Quick Facts About Cervicogenic Headache
Category
Neck-related headache
Used for
Classifying headaches linked to cervical structures
Common confusion
Often confused with 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
- Pain often begins in the neck or back of the head.
- Neck movement may change the headache pattern.
- Cervicogenic headaches are not the same as migraines.
How Cervicogenic Headache Works
Cervicogenic headache develops when structures in the neck send pain signals that the nervous system interprets in the head. The cervical spine, facet joints, discs, muscles, and nearby nerves can all contribute to this pattern. Pain may remain on one side and can extend from the upper neck toward the forehead, temple, or eye.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Facet Joint, Migraine Aura.
A clinical assessment connects the headache pattern with neck findings. A provider may review symptom location, neck movement, posture, muscle tenderness, and joint motion. Cervical spine function can help explain why turning or holding the head in one position changes symptoms. A cervicogenic pattern can resemble migraine, but nausea, light sensitivity, or visual symptoms may point toward a different headache type.
From the Advanced Injury Care Clinic team
When we assess a possible cervicogenic headache, we review the neck history alongside head pain location and movement patterns. Our team checks cervical motion, posture, and tender areas to understand whether the neck may contribute to the symptoms. We keep that assessment within the broader Headache Treatment plan.
Cervicogenic Headache in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person develops one-sided head pain after prolonged desk work, with stiffness at the base of the skull. Neck movement reproduces part of the pain, which supports checking the cervical joints and surrounding muscles during Headache Treatment.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the vertebral column located in the neck. It supports…
Facet Joint
A facet joint is a small, paired joint at the back of the spine that connects…
Migraine Aura
Migraine Aura is a temporary neurological phase associated with some migraine attacks. It often causes visual…
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.