Cervicogenic Headaches

Relief for headaches originating from the cervical spine

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine, including the upper cervical joints, muscles, or nerves. Pain typically begins in the neck and radiates into the head, often affecting one side and worsening with neck movement or sustained postures.

Unlike primary headaches such as migraines, cervicogenic headaches originate from a structural or mechanical issue in the neck.

At Resolution Spine & Joint, we focus on identifying the underlying cervical pain generator and providing targeted treatments designed to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and relieve headache symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Cervicogenic headaches may present with:

• Pain starting in the neck and spreading to the back or front of the head

• One-sided head pain

• Reduced neck mobility and stiffness

• Headache triggered by neck movement or prolonged posture

• Pain radiating to the shoulder, upper back, or behind the eye

• Associated muscle tightness and fatigue

Symptoms often worsen with sustained positions such as computer use, driving, or poor sleeping posture.

Why Cervical Problems Cause Headaches

The upper cervical spine (particularly C1–C3 levels) shares nerve pathways with regions responsible for head pain perception. When joints, muscles, or nerves in this region become irritated, the brain may interpret these signals as headache pain.

Common contributors include:

• Upper cervical facet joint dysfunction

• Muscle tension and myofascial trigger points

• Degenerative changes

• Disc pathology

• Prior neck injury or whiplash

The result is a headache driven by cervical mechanical dysfunction rather than primary neurologic disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily clinical and involves identifying the cervical source of pain.

Evaluation may include:

• Detailed history and headache pattern assessment

• Physical examination assessing cervical mobility and tenderness

• Imaging when clinically indicated

• Diagnostic nerve or facet injections to confirm the pain generator

The response to targeted diagnostic blocks is often one of the most useful tools in confirming cervicogenic headache.

Treatment Options at Resolution Spine & Joint

Treatment focuses on reducing cervical irritation and restoring normal neck mechanics.

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy emphasizing posture and cervical stabilization

• Ergonomic adjustments and activity modification

• Stretching and strengthening of cervical musculature

Interventional Treatments

• Cervical facet joint injections

• Medial branch blocks targeting pain-transmitting nerves

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief

• Occipital nerve blocks when occipital nerve irritation contributes to symptoms

• Trigger point injections for associated muscle tension

Targeted treatment often produces meaningful improvement by addressing the true source rather than masking symptoms.

Potential Consequences if Untreated

• Chronic headache patterns

• Reduced neck mobility

• Sleep disturbance

• Muscle guarding and fatigue

• Decreased concentration and quality of life

Persistent cervicogenic headaches can create a cycle of tension and pain that reinforces itself over time.

When to Seek Evaluation

Evaluation is recommended when:

• Headaches are associated with neck pain or stiffness

• Symptoms worsen with neck movement

• Standard headache treatments provide limited relief

• Headaches persist or progressively worsen

Early identification helps prevent chronic pain patterns from becoming entrenched.

Why Choose Resolution Spine & Joint

• Expertise in diagnosing cervical spine–related headache disorders

• Advanced image-guided cervical and nerve-targeted procedures

• Rapid access to diagnostic blocks for clarity and relief

• Individualized treatment plans focused on long-term improvement

• Compassionate care addressing both headache symptoms and cervical mechanics

Patients with cervicogenic headaches often feel overlooked because imaging may appear subtle, accurate diagnosis provides both validation and relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cervicogenic headaches the same as migraines?
No. They originate from cervical spine dysfunction rather than primary neurologic mechanisms, though symptoms may overlap.

Can physical therapy help?
Yes. Targeted cervical stabilization and posture correction are often very effective.

Do injections cure the problem?
They reduce inflammation and interrupt pain signaling but may need to be combined with rehabilitation for lasting improvement.

Can these headaches become chronic?
Yes, particularly if underlying cervical dysfunction is not addressed.

References

• International Headache Society (IHS)

• North American Spine Society (NASS)

• American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP)