Not all headaches are coming from your head… at times, they’re coming from your neck.
If headache medication isn’t working and you’re also feeling neck pain or stiffness, you may be dealing with a cervicogenic headache. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and evidence-based treatment options for this type of headache.
At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, cervicogenic headaches are commonly treated through conservative, non-invasive care focused on the cervical spine and nervous system.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache occurs when the muscles, joints, or discs of the cervical (neck) spine refer pain into the head, mimicking traditional headache symptoms. This referral pattern develops when these tissues become irritated or damaged.
Common contributing factors include:
- Poor posture
- Prolonged static positions
- Repetitive movements
- Injury or trauma
- Stress
Cervicogenic headaches are typically felt on one side of the head and are often accompanied by:
- Decreased neck range of motion
- Pain with neck movement
- Tightness or guarding in the neck and upper shoulder muscles
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Research supports several conservative treatments for cervicogenic headaches, including:
- Spinal adjustments
- Joint mobilization of the cervical spine
- Cervical traction
- Acupuncture
- Manual therapy
These treatments are commonly provided through chiropractic care and physical therapy, depending on the individual’s presentation.
Therapeutic Exercises for Cervicogenic Headaches
Exercise plays an important role in both treatment and prevention. Commonly prescribed exercises include:
- Postural corrective exercises
- Strengthening of deep neck stabilizers
- Stretching tight cervical muscles
- Towel neck SNAGs
In addition to treatment, it’s important to:
- Avoid prolonged static positions
- Maintain proper ergonomics
- Address stress levels
These strategies help reduce strain on the cervical spine and minimize headache recurrence.
Final Thoughts
Cervicogenic headaches are treatable. Because symptoms can overlap with other headache types, it’s important to seek care from a qualified medical provider for a thorough evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate for cervicogenic headache treatment.
A comprehensive approach addressing joint mobility, muscle function, posture, and nervous system involvement offers the best chance for lasting relief.
Research Articles on Cervicogenic Headaches
Jull G, Trott P, Potter H, Zito G, Niere K, Shirley D, et al. Manual therapies for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. Cephalalgia. 2012;32(13):1045–1053.
Ferreira MC, Thomaz DC, da Silva Júnior CA, et al. Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise for the management of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. 2023.
Zito G, et al. The efficacy of spinal manipulative therapy in the management of cervicogenic headache: a randomized controlled trial. Included in Jull et al. 2012 systematic review.
Liang Z, et al. Comparative safety and efficacy of manual therapy interventions for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Front Neurol. 2025;16:1566764.