Common Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache

Symptoms, Common Cause and Treatments

What is Cervicogenic Headache?

Cervicogenic Headache originates from the cervical spine and is typically caused by issues in the neck joints, muscles, or nerves.

Pain usually starts at the base of the skull and may radiate to the forehead or eyes
Often accompanied by neck stiffness and reduced neck mobility
Symptoms can worsen with certain head movements or poor posture

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time:

One-sided headache starting from the neck and spreading upward or forward
Neck stiffness or pain alongside the headache
Pain worsens with head or neck movement
Possible discomfort in the shoulder or arm

5 Key Common Causes of Cervicogenic Headache

Several factors can contribute to cervicogenic headache, including:

Cervical joint stiffness or degeneration (e.g., arthritis)
Poor posture, such as prolonged forward head position when using mobile devices or computers
Overuse or tension in neck muscles
Neck trauma, such as whiplash injuries from car accidents
Repetitive strain from work or sports activities

Assessment and Physical Therapy Management

Our experienced physiotherapists will conduct a thorough physical examination to check your range of motion and evaluate your medical history.

Treatment options may include:

Manual Therapy

Joint mobilization technique helps to improve upper cervical spine mobility and reduce joint stress. Myofascial release is also applied to relieve muscle tightness and tension around the neck and shoulders.

Advanced Modalities

Treatments like high-energy laser therapy, ultrasound, and interferential therapy help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in cervicogenic headache patients.

Ergonomic Adjustments

Improving posture and workstation setup can ease strain on the neck. Avoiding prolonged poor posture is key to preventing symptoms.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise therapy includes neck strengthening, stretching, proprioceptive training, and clinical Pilates. Strengthening exercises improve the endurance of deep neck muscles, supporting the cervical spine. Stretching enhances upper cervical mobility, reduces joint pressure, and helps prevent headache recurrence. Proprioceptive training benefits those with chronic cervicogenic headaches by improving neck movement awareness and control. Clinical Pilates strengthens the thoracic spine and scapular muscles while enhancing mobility in the neck and upper back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can neck pain also cause dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is caused by stiffness in the cervical spine, primarily resulting from issues with the first three cervical vertebrae. The severity of dizziness is often influenced by the position and movement of the cervical spine. Dizziness is a complicated symptom which can be caused by multiple origins. If the conditions worsen, please seek professional help as soon as possible.

Can Cervicogenic Headache heal on its own?

Mild cases may improve with rest and posture correction, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be addressed through physiotherapy to prevent complications.

When should i seek for physiotherapy?

If headaches are frequent, disrupt daily activities, or come with neck stiffness and limited movement, it’s important to seek early assessment and treatment.

Is cervicogenic headache a type of migraine?

No. Although both can cause pain in the head, cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in the neck, such as issues with joints, muscles, or nerves. Migraines are different and are typically linked to changes in the brain and blood vessels. The causes, symptoms, and treatments for each condition are not the same.

How can I prevent cervicogenic headaches?

Maintaining good posture, regularly stretching the neck and shoulders, using ergonomic work equipment, and avoiding prolonged static positions can help reduce the risk.

Testimonials & Reviews

I came to them with chronic neck and knee issues, and they didn't just provide massage therapy. They took the time to thoroughly evaluate the source of my problems and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Through a combination of targeted hands-on therapy, customized strengthening exercises, and patient education, they helped me regain mobility and address the root causes of my pain. I learned the correct ways to strengthen the muscles and improve my posture to prevent future issues.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything and ensure I understood how to continue my progress at home. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I'm now pain-free and able to return to my regular activities without any limitations.

Arthur Liu

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I had never been a believer in physio therapy in the past or that my experience with multiple chain medical physiotherapy center had brought me nothing but temporary improvements. Until I had came across mobilize physiotherapy where they take the extra mile to examine your situation and tailor a physiotherapy session. The physiotherapists at Mobilize not only identifies the root cause and provide massages for pain relievers but also to provide take home exercises for improvements. I was never rush out the door for the next session and they ensure that I had receive the right treatment before the session ends.
I would highly recommend this physiotherapy center.

Edmond Chan

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

As someone who regularly goes through the torment of backpain and neck pain, I was recommended by my friend to visit Mobilize Physiotherapy.
Everything - from appointment booking to the physiotherapy session itself - was very professional. Not only did Avery, my physiotherapist. give detailed explanations as he worked through my areas of pain, he taught me a few exercises that improve my core strength, which in turn could reduce my back and neck pain. Now, whenever I experience acute pain, I do these exercises and the pain eases away!
I highly recommend Mobilize Physiotherapy.

William Luk

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Excellent service. The physiotherapists are very professional, easy to communicate with and also give clear instructions on some home exercises that can help ease my pain. As a stay at home mom, I need a lot of strength on my daily routine and whenever I have any pain and problems I go to Avery for therapies and he is always helpful and caring
Highly recommended!

Samantha Lee

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I can't recommend my physio partner enough! They are always patient and provide valuable guidance to help me relieve chronic pain and improve my performance in jiu-jitsu. Their expertise has been invaluable to me. Highly recommended!

Felix Kung

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

passionate, precise and comprehensive physiotherapy service, highly recommended for sudden onset or prolonged pain with unknown reason.

Sam Sam

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Testimonials & Reviews

I came to them with chronic neck and knee issues, and they didn't just provide massage therapy. They took the time to thoroughly evaluate the source of my problems and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Through a combination of targeted hands-on therapy, customized strengthening exercises, and patient education, they helped me regain mobility and address the root causes of my pain. I learned the correct ways to strengthen the muscles and improve my posture to prevent future issues. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything and ensure I understood how to continue my progress at home. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I'm now pain-free and able to return to my regular activities without any limitations.

passionate, precise and comprehensive physiotherapy service, highly recommended for sudden onset or prolonged pain with unknown reason.

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