What Is Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic Headache is a headache caused by referred pain from structures in the neck, especially the cervical spine and nearby joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain often begins in the neck or back of the head and may spread toward the forehead, temple, or eye. Neck movement can influence symptoms.
Quick Facts About Cervicogenic Headache
Category
Neck-related headache
Used for
Describing referred head pain
Common confusion
Often mistaken for migraine
Also called
Neck-related headache, Cervicogenic Head Pain
Often discussed with
Headache Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Cervicogenic Headache
- Neck structures refer pain into the head.
- Neck movement may change the headache.
- Migraine and cervicogenic headache are not the same condition.
How Cervicogenic Headache Works
Cervicogenic Headache involves pain signals that begin in the neck and are felt in the head. The upper cervical spine shares nerve pathways with parts of the head and face, so irritation or restricted movement in that area can produce referred pain. Symptoms may stay on one side and can become more noticeable during certain neck movements.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Forward Head Posture, Referred Pain.
Assessment focuses on the relationship between neck function and head pain. A clinician may review symptom patterns, examine posture, and check neck range of motion. Muscle tenderness, joint movement, and changes in pain during specific motions can help separate this pattern from other headache types, including migraine and tension-type headache.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Hinesville team
When we assess a possible cervicogenic headache, we review the neck history and observe how posture and movement relate to the reported pain. We check cervical motion, surrounding muscle tension, and joint function. Our findings help guide care within Headache Treatment and identify concerns that may call for evaluation outside chiropractic care.
Cervicogenic Headache in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person develops pain that starts near the upper neck after extended desk work and spreads behind one eye. Turning the head increases the discomfort, which gives the clinician a useful connection between neck movement and the headache pattern.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the neck section of the vertebral column. It consists of vertebrae, joints, discs…
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture is a postural pattern in which the head rests ahead of the shoulders…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is a pain signal felt in an area away from its source. The source…
Range of Motion
Range of Motion is the available movement at a joint, measured through a specific direction or…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Hinesville
Have Questions About Cervicogenic Headache?
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