What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic Headache is a secondary headache that begins in the neck and sends pain into the head or face. The pain may stay on one side and often relates to movement or irritation in the cervical spine. The neck source distinguishes this condition from primary headaches that start within head pain pathways.
Quick Facts About Cervicogenic Headache
Category
Secondary headache
Used for
Describing neck-related head pain
Common confusion
Often confused with tension headache
Also called
Cervical Headache, Neck-related headache
Often discussed with
Headache And Migraine Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Cervicogenic Headache
- Neck movement or irritation often influences the pain pattern.
- Pain may spread from the neck toward the head or face.
- Cervicogenic headache is not the same as tension headache.
How Cervicogenic Headache Works
Cervicogenic Headache develops when structures in the neck refer pain into the head. The cervical spine, joints, muscles, and nearby nerves can contribute to this pattern. Neck motion, posture, or pressure may change the pain, which helps clinicians examine the neck as part of the headache assessment.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Referred Pain, Range Of Motion.
A careful assessment may include questions about symptom location, onset, movement, and related neck discomfort. The clinician may observe posture and check cervical range of motion. Referred Pain explains why a problem in the neck can feel like head pain. Cervical Spine care may be considered when the examination connects neck findings with the headache pattern.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta team
When we assess a cervicogenic headache, we review the pain pattern and examine the neck’s movement and surrounding tissues. We also consider posture and related neck symptoms before discussing care through our Headache And Migraine Treatment service.
Cervicogenic Headache in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person may notice pain beginning near the upper neck and spreading toward one side of the head after prolonged desk work. A neck-focused assessment can help determine whether the pattern fits a cervicogenic headache.
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
The cervical spine is the neck section of the spinal column that supports the head and…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is pain felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure causing…
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the extent to which a joint can move through its available directions…
Tension Headache
A Tension Headache is a common headache pattern linked with pressure, tightening, or aching across the…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta
Have Questions About Cervicogenic Headache?
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