Cervicogenic Headaches
Updated: 18 hours ago
A cervicogenic headache is a headache attributed to a problem in the neck. Neck pain or stiffness can also accompany other headache disorders, so these symptoms alone do not confirm the cause. Assessment considers the headache pattern, medical history and neck findings before deciding whether osteopathic care is appropriate.
When to seek medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E for a sudden, extremely painful headache, or headache with weakness, numbness, speech or balance problems, confusion, a seizure or loss of vision. A headache following a head injury, or with signs of meningitis such as a high temperature and stiff neck, also needs emergency assessment. Do not drive yourself to A&E.
Contact your GP urgently or NHS 111 for headache with eye or vision problems, vomiting, jaw pain when eating or a tender scalp, or a headache triggered by coughing, bending or exercise. See your GP if headaches recur, worsen or do not improve. Do not delay medical care while waiting for an osteopathy appointment.
Diagnosing a Cervicogenic Headache
Migraine can occur with or without aura, and may include neck stiffness. Headache symptoms overlap, so pain location, nausea or the absence of aura cannot reliably distinguish a neck-related headache on their own. New or changing symptoms need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
Assessment includes how the headache began, its frequency, associated symptoms and whether neck movement changes the familiar pain. Reduced movement or improvement alongside a neck problem may contribute to the assessment, but no single finding proves the cause. I will explain whether the findings support a neck-related headache or whether medical assessment is needed.
The upper back, shoulders and daily activities
Assessment may include the upper back, shoulders and the activities or positions that affect your symptoms. Stiffness or muscle tenderness in these areas does not, by itself, establish the cause of a headache.
Advice may include comfortable movement, breaks from prolonged positions and an individual exercise plan. Keeping a headache diary can help record changes and provide useful information for assessment.
Treating Cervicogenic Headaches
Where assessment supports a neck-related headache and osteopathic care is suitable, we can discuss an individual plan. Options may include exercises, advice about activity and appropriate manual techniques. I will explain the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives, and obtain your consent before treatment. Improvement or prevention of future headaches cannot be guaranteed.
Relevant shoulder or jaw symptoms may also be considered during assessment. Persistent, worsening or changing headaches may need medical review. You can also read about neck pain assessment before arranging an appointment.