Everything You Need to Know About A Cervicogenic Headache

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that starts in the neck and is caused by problems in the joints, muscles, or nerves of the upper cervical spine (the top part of your neck). Even though the pain is felt in your head, the true source is your neck — often due to poor posture, injury, or stiffness in the upper neck joints.

An analogy…

Imagine your neck is like the base of a lamp, and your head is the light bulb. If something’s wrong at the base, like it’s bent or loose, it can affect how the whole lamp works. In the same way, if your neck isn’t moving well or is under strain, it can create pain that shows up as a headache.

What are other names that a cervicogenic headache can be referred to?

Headache, Cervical Headache, Neck Related Headache, Referred Pain from the Neck

What causes a cervicogenic headache?

It’s usually caused by irritation or dysfunction in the upper neck joints (C1–C3). These joints and nearby muscles or nerves can send pain signals up into the head.

What are the signs and symptoms of a cervicogenic headache?

Pain that starts in the neck and travels to the head
One-sided headache (but neck pain may be on both sides)
Headache worsens with neck movement or poor posture
Stiff neck or reduced range of motion
Tenderness at the base of the skull
Pain that may radiate to the forehead, temple, or behind the eye
Often no throbbing or pulsing (unlike migraines)

What tests are used to diagnose a cervicogenic headache?

Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test: Checks for restriction in upper neck rotation; pain or limited movement suggests joint involvement.

Palpation of Upper Cervical Spine: Pressing on the joints or muscles to see if it reproduces the headache.

How long does a cervicogenic headache take to heal?

Most people with cervicogenic headaches recover well with the right treatment. Mild cases can improve in just a few days, while others may take 2–3 weeks. In more severe or long-term cases, recovery might take several weeks to months, depending on how consistent treatment is and how bad the injury is.

How does a cervicogenic headache happen?

Prolonged poor posture (e.g. desk work, looking down at phone)
Weak neck and upper back muscles
High stress and tension
Lack of movement or sedentary lifestyle
Previous neck injuries (e.g. whiplash)
Sleeping in awkward positions

What treatment can help a cervicogenic headache?

Manual therapy to improve neck joint mobility
Soft tissue massage for tight muscles
Postural training and correction
Strengthening exercises for neck and shoulders
Heat therapy to ease tension
Education on desk and screen setup
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Advice on pillow choice and sleeping posture

What happens if the cervicogenic headache doesn’t get better with treatment?

In some cases, even with the right treatment, a small number of people with cervicogenic headaches don’t fully improve. They may need further care, such as scans, medication, injections, or a referral to a specialist for other treatment options.

What exercises or stretches can I do for a cervicogenic headache?

Chin Tucks
Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Rotation in Sitting

What products can help with a cervicogenic headache?

Neck AROM

Stand with your hands on your hips to ensure you keep the shoulders still throughout this neck warm-up exercise.
Gently turn your head to look over your left shoulder, then the right.
Gradually increase the amount of movement.

Deep neck flexor activation in supine

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
Place a pillow or towel under your head and look up towards the ceiling.
Visualise a pivot point going through your ears.
Gently nod your chin as though rotating around that pivot point without tensing your side neck muscles.
Use the muscles, deep at the front of your throat instead.
This is a very subtle exercise and will take practice to tuck your chin in just enough so you feel the back of your head a little heavy on the pillow but without the activity of your side neck muscles.
These deep neck muscles are important to retrain to help headaches and neck issues from office or computer work.
Hold your chin downwards as advised and continue to breath in a controlled manner by expanding and contracting your lower ribcage.
Contract your lower stomach and pelvic floor muscles at the same time throughout the movement.

Posture against a wall

Use a wall to practice good posture.
Your buttocks should be against the wall.
There should be a small arch in your lower back.
Your upper back and shoulder blades should be flat against the wall
Lastly, tuck your chin in a little and bring your head back so it touches the wall.
You should not have to tilt your head back to do this.