What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A Cervicogenic Headache is a secondary headache caused by ‘misbehaviours of the neck’.

The upper 3 vertebrae of the neck and their anatomical structures including the ligaments, discs, nerves, and muscles can contribute to the presentation of a Cervicogenic Headache.

Typically symptoms are predominantly felt on one side but can vary in presentation and often involves the occiput (base of skull) and temple. People may also report symptoms behind the eyes, across the forehead or ‘like having a vice on the top of the head’. Often the headache can be reproduced with sustained pressure on one or more of the upper cervical vertebrae. 

When you present to the clinic with a headache your Physiotherapist will take a detailed subjective assessment to determine the area, nature/type, and duration of your symptoms. They will assess the range of movement of your neck and thoracic area, as well as palpating the joints and muscles of this area to see if they can reproduce your symptoms.

Your Physiotherapist will often treat your Cervicogenic Headache with manual therapy to the joints and surrounding tissue, and/or utilise Dry Needling. They will also assess your range of movement of the neck, posture, and strength to see if there is anything you can do to prevent them recurring.