Explaining cervicogenic headaches

There are a range of types of headaches, each with a different cause. A cervicogenic headache has specific causes and symptoms. “Cervico” refers to the neck, or more precisely the cervical spine. “Genic” means produced by. The literal translation is a headache caused by the neck.

​What are cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in your neck, such as muscle tension, joint issues, or nerve compression.
This type of headache is often confused with other types, such as migraines; however cervicogenic headaches cause distinct symptoms.

Pain from cervicogenic headaches typically begins in the neck and radiates upwards, often affecting one side of the head, face, or areas around the eyes. Unlike other headache types, cervicogenic headaches are linked to neck movements or positions. Stiffness or pain in the neck worsens head pain with specific neck movements.

Contributing causes
Several factors can contribute to cervicogenic headaches, including:

• neck injury: whiplash or other neck injuries
• poor posture: slouching or hunching, especially when your chin juts forward and your head is positioned ahead of your body instead of being upright
• osteoarthritis: degenerative changes in your neck joints
• nerve compression: pinched nerves in or near your neck
• neck stiffness: such as if you fell asleep in an awkward position.
  

Chiropractic care
Effective treatment for headaches depends on identifying and addressing any underlying neck issues. This would typically involve a thorough examination to check for pain, joint issues, and neck movement and positioning. This helps determine whether your neck is the likely source of your headaches.

Certain muscles at the front of your neck, shoulder, and face may also become tender. By applying pressure to specific areas, we can assess whether a particular spot is triggering a headache.

Once correctly diagnosed, tailored treatment can begin. This may involve spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercises to improve posture and reduce muscle tension.
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We will recommend the most suitable treatment for you depending on the assessment findings, your condition, and your preferences. Our aim is to address the cause of your headaches and help you find relief from the symptoms.