What is a cervicogenic headache?
Many recurring headaches, especially those starting at the base of the skull or behind the eyes and worsened by certain neck movements, are cervicogenic: they originate in the cervical spine or surrounding muscles rather than the head itself. This is different from primary headache disorders like migraine, which have their own distinct patterns and treatment approach. An exam helps sort out which pattern you're dealing with.
Common symptoms
- Pain starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward
- Usually one-sided pain
- Headache that worsens with certain neck positions or movements
- Neck stiffness alongside the headache
- Tension across the shoulders and upper back
- Headache that improves somewhat with neck movement or pressure changes
Common causes
- Neck joint dysfunction or restricted motion
- Poor posture or "tech neck" from prolonged screen time
- Muscle tension in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles
- A history of whiplash or neck injury
- Disc issues in the cervical spine contributing to referred pain
Does this sound like you?
If you have any of these, it may be time to get evaluated
This isn't a diagnosis. A sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before, or one accompanied by vision changes, confusion, or weakness, needs emergency evaluation, not a scheduled visit.
Our approach
We evaluate the cervical spine as a potential driver of your headaches: joint restriction, muscle tension, and movement patterns. Chiropractic care addressing the neck is often the first step, sometimes paired with massage therapy for the surrounding muscle tension. If your headache pattern doesn't fit a cervicogenic picture, we'll say so and point you toward the right kind of care rather than treating something that isn't the actual driver.
What to expect at your first visit
We start by asking detailed questions about where your headaches start, what triggers or worsens them, and whether neck symptoms accompany them. The physical exam checks cervical range of motion and looks for the specific findings associated with cervicogenic headache. From there we explain what we found and whether treating the neck is likely to help.
Why early, local care matters
Headache patterns that go unaddressed tend to become more frequent and harder to unwind as muscle guarding and joint restriction build. Treating the cervical driver early addresses the cause instead of just managing the pain as it recurs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Can chiropractic care help migraines?
How many visits before I notice a difference?
Is it safe to treat headaches with chiropractic care?
When should I see a doctor instead for my headaches?
Key takeaway: Many recurring headaches trace back to the cervical spine rather than the head itself. An exam distinguishes a cervicogenic pattern from other headache types, and treating the neck can address the cause rather than just the symptom.