How do you know if your headache is coming from your neck?

Many neck-related headaches worsen with neck movement or sustained posture and often come with neck stiffness or reduced range of motion. A physiotherapy assessment can test whether the neck reproduces or eases your symptoms and help rule out other headache types.

What exercises help cervicogenic neck headache?

Common exercise approaches include deep neck flexor control work, gentle mobility, and shoulder girdle strength and endurance training. Your physiotherapist will choose exercises based on your irritability, movement limits, and daily triggers.

When should you worry about a headache?

Get urgent medical help if you have a sudden severe headache, fever, confusion, fainting, weakness, new vision changes, or severe symptoms after trauma. If you are unsure, seek medical advice promptly.

Cervicogenic Neck Headache

Article by
John Miller,
Shane Armfield

Physiotherapist treating neck headache with manual therapy for cervicogenic headache relief

Physiotherapy treatment for neck headache relief

Neck headaches often originate from the upper cervical spine and may respond well to targeted physiotherapy.

Cervicogenic neck headache is a common cause of one-sided headache linked to the upper neck. Symptoms often include neck stiffness, reduced movement, and headaches triggered by posture or sustained positions such as desk work or driving. This page sits within our broader headache physiotherapy and neck pain clusters.

Unlike migraine or tension headache, cervicogenic headaches are typically driven by the upper cervical joints, muscles, and nerves. A physiotherapist can assess your movement, posture, and symptom triggers to guide effective treatment.

Common signs of cervicogenic neck headache

Headache starting at the base of the skull
One-sided pain spreading to the temple or eye
Neck stiffness or pain with turning your head
Symptoms triggered by posture or sustained positions
Temporary relief with movement, heat, or massage

Most cases improve when treatment targets the underlying driver, such as upper neck joint irritation, muscle overload, reduced neck control, or poor tolerance to sustained positions.

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What is a cervicogenic neck headache?

A cervicogenic neck headache is head pain referred from structures in the upper neck. Pain often begins near the base of the skull and may spread to the temple, forehead, or behind the eye. It typically has a strong link to neck movement, posture, or joint irritation.

How does a cervicogenic neck headache feel?

People commonly report pain that starts at the base of the skull and travels forward. Symptoms are often one-sided and may worsen with turning the head, looking up, or maintaining one position. Neck stiffness and tenderness are also common.

Common symptoms of cervicogenic neck headache

Headache linked to neck movement or posture
One-sided head pain
Reduced neck movement
Tenderness in the upper neck and base of skull
Temporary symptom relief with movement

Can a neck problem really cause headaches?

Yes. The upper cervical spine shares nerve pathways with the head, which means irritation in the neck can refer pain into the head. A clinical assessment helps confirm whether the neck is the primary source.

When should you get urgent medical help?

Seek urgent care if you experience a sudden severe headache, fever, confusion, weakness, fainting, or vision changes, or if symptoms follow trauma.

How is cervicogenic neck headache diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and physical assessment rather than imaging alone. A physiotherapist may assess joint movement, muscle control, and whether specific neck positions reproduce your headache. The International Headache Society outlines recognised diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache.

Cervicogenic neck headache assessment with physio guiding gentle upper neck movement

Upper neck assessment helps identify headache triggers.

What commonly contributes to cervicogenic neck headache?

Common contributors include cervical facet joint pain, muscle overload, reduced deep neck flexor control, and poor posture tolerance. In some cases, symptoms overlap with text neck patterns.

How long can cervicogenic neck headache last?

Symptoms vary. Some people experience short episodes, while others have recurring headaches over weeks or months. Identifying triggers is key to recovery.

How can physiotherapy help cervicogenic neck headache?

Physiotherapy aims to improve movement, reduce sensitivity, and build neck and shoulder support. Treatment usually combines hands-on care, exercise, and load management.

Effective treatment combines manual therapy, exercise, and posture changes for lasting improvement.