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Quick Summary
Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache caused by problems in your neck — not your head. It typically presents as a steady pain on one side, often spreading from the back of your neck to your temple. Specialist physiotherapy can help. Most patients improve within 4-8 sessions.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder, meaning the pain originates from a problem in your neck rather than your head itself.
The upper cervical spine (C1-C3 vertebrae) and surrounding soft tissues share nerve pathways with the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to your face and head.
When structures in your upper neck become irritated or dysfunctional-whether from poor posture, previous injury, or muscle tension-they can send pain signals that your brain interprets as coming from your head. This is why you feel the headache in your temple, forehead, or behind your eye, even though the root cause is in your neck.
Unlike migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches typically present on one side, are triggered by neck movements or sustained postures, and respond well to targeted physiotherapy treatment addressing the underlying neck dysfunction.
Research supports physiotherapy including manual therapy as an effective approach (Blanpied et al., JOSPT, 2017). Individual results may vary.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
✓ A steady, one-sided headache that doesn't switch sides
✓ Pain starting at the back of your neck spreading to your forehead or temple
✓ Neck stiffness or reduced movement when turning your head
✓ Headaches triggered by desk work or looking up
✓ A dull ache between your shoulder blades with the headache
✓ Headaches that don't respond to medication
✓ Pain that builds gradually through the day during screen work
These symptoms are treatable. Specialist physiotherapy can help.
What Causes Cervicogenic Headache?
• Prolonged desk work and forward-head posture
Spending hours at a computer pushes the head forward, straining the upper neck joints and muscles.
This sustained posture compresses cervical structures and triggers referred pain to the head.
• Stiff upper cervical joints (C1-C3)
Reduced mobility in the top three neck vertebrae disrupts normal movement patterns. These joints share nerve pathways with head pain receptors, directly contributing to headache symptoms.
• Previous neck injury or whiplash
Trauma from accidents or sports injuries can damage cervical ligaments and joints. Even old injuries may cause chronic instability and inflammation that manifests as recurring headaches.
• Muscle tension in suboccipital and upper trapezius
Tight muscles at the skull base and shoulder region create trigger points that refer pain upward.
Chronic tension restricts blood flow and irritates surrounding nerves.
• Poor sleeping position
Unsupportive pillows or awkward neck angles during sleep strain cervical structures overnight.
Repeated nightly stress accumulates, leading to morning headaches and stiffness.
How We Treat Cervicogenic Headache at J&J Therapy
We go beyond exercise sheets. Your first session is a full 45-minute assessment AND treatment - so you leave feeling the difference.
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Targeted C1-C3 joint mobilisation and suboccipital muscle release to restore movement and reduce nerve irritation - from your very first session.
Shockwave Therapy*
Swiss Storz Medical MASTERPULS
to break down persistent trigger points in your upper trapezius and neck muscles.
Non-invasive, evidence-based.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Deep neck flexor strengthening and cervical mobility exercises personalised to maintain your progress and prevent recurrence.
Shockwave Therapy
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Chronic neck tension and trigger points in the upper trapezius and surrounding muscles can be difficult to resolve with exercise alone. Our Swiss-manufactured Storz Medical MASTERPULS shockwave system delivers precise acoustic waves to break down muscle knots, improve blood flow, and support the body's natural healing response.
Swiss Storz Medical MASTERPULS - clinical-grade precision
Non-invasive — no needles, no medication
Stimulates natural tissue repair and blood flow
Typically 3-6 sessions for lasting improvement
Results may vary. Your physiotherapist will recommend the best plan for your specific condition.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache
Headache with fever, stiff neck, or confusion
Headache after a head injury with vomiting/drowsiness
Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
FAQs About Cervicogenic Headache
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
A cervicogenic headache originates from structures in the neck. Common signs include a headache that starts in the neck or back of the head and spreads to the front, worsening with neck movement or awkward postures. It's often accompanied by neck stiffness and reduced range of motion. A thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional can determine the exact cause.
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Reviewed by Lavya Arigalayan, MSc, HCPC Registered Physiotherapist.
Last reviewed:
2026년 4월 15일