In this article, you will learn:
- What cervicogenic headaches are and how neck pain can cause headaches.
- The difference between cervicogenic headaches, migraines and tension headaches.
- The common symptoms of headaches caused by neck pain.
- How physiotherapy can help reduce headache frequency and severity.
- When to seek assessment for ongoing headaches.
Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches?
Yes, neck pain can cause headaches. These headaches are known as cervicogenic headaches, where pain originates from structures within the neck and is referred into the head.
Cervicogenic headaches occur when the joints, muscles, nerves and surrounding tissues of the upper cervical spine become irritated or restricted. This can lead to headaches caused by neck pain, neck stiffness, reduced movement and discomfort around the head, temples or behind the eyes.
Many people searching for answers about neck pain and headaches are unaware that their symptoms may be linked to how their neck is moving and functioning. Addressing the underlying cause can often help reduce headache frequency and improve quality of life.
At BeFit Training Physio, we assess the relationship between your neck, posture, movement and symptoms to provide targeted cervicogenic headache treatment through physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation.
What Are the Different Types of Headaches?
Headaches can occur for many different reasons. The three common categories we see clinically include:
- Cervicogenic headaches – headaches originating from structures within the neck.
- Migraines – neurological headaches often associated with sensory symptoms.
- Tension headaches – headaches commonly associated with pressure, tightness and muscle tension.
Although these headaches have different causes, they can sometimes share similar symptoms. A thorough assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are related to your neck, neurological factors or other contributing issues.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic Headaches (Neck Headaches)
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from the neck. Unlike migraines, where the primary issue involves neurological processes, cervicogenic headaches are caused by irritation of structures within the cervical spine.
The upper cervical joints, muscles and nerves play an important role in sending information between the neck and head. When these structures become irritated, restricted or overloaded, pain can be referred into areas such as the back of the skull, forehead, temples or around the eyes.
Cervicogenic headaches are commonly associated with:
- Neck stiffness.
- Reduced cervical spine movement.
- Muscle tension around the neck and shoulders.
- Joint irritation within the upper cervical spine.
- Changes in posture or prolonged positions.
Cervicogenic headaches are thought to account for approximately 15–20% of headaches and are commonly seen in adults between 30 and 50 years old.
What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches develop when structures in the neck become irritated and refer pain into the head.
The upper cervical nerves, including C1, C2 and C3, contribute to sensation around the head and neck. Irritation of these structures can create pain patterns that feel like a traditional headache, even though the source is coming from the neck.
Common contributing factors include:
- Reduced neck joint mobility.
- Muscle stiffness and weakness.
- Poor tolerance to prolonged sitting positions.
- Previous neck injury or trauma.
- Reduced strength and control through the neck and upper back.
- Repetitive postures associated with work or daily activities.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches?
The symptoms of cervicogenic headaches can vary between individuals, but common signs include:
- One-sided head pain that may feel worse on one side of the head.
- Neck pain or stiffness occurring alongside headaches.
- Headaches aggravated by neck movement.
- Symptoms worsening after staying in one position for prolonged periods.
- Moderate intensity pain.
- Tenderness at the base of the skull.
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
A key feature of cervicogenic headaches is that symptoms are often influenced by neck movement or posture. This helps differentiate them from other headache conditions.
How Are Cervicogenic Headaches Different From Migraines?
While migraines and cervicogenic headaches can sometimes feel similar, there are important differences.
Migraines are neurological headaches that may involve changes in the nervous system, while cervicogenic headaches are primarily related to structures within the neck.
However, research suggests there can be overlap between migraine symptoms and neck-related headaches, which is why accurate assessment is important.
Migraines
Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe headaches alongside other symptoms. While migraines can sometimes overlap with cervicogenic headaches, the underlying causes and symptoms are often different.
Migraines are commonly associated with changes in the nervous system and may involve several contributing factors, including sensitivity of pain pathways, changes in serotonin levels and irritation of structures within the head and neck.
Research has shown that some people with migraines may also experience neck pain or reduced neck movement. This is why understanding the relationship between neck pain and headaches is important when determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
Common Migraine Symptoms
- One-sided headache pain, although the side may change between attacks.
- Pulsating or throbbing pain.
- Moderate to severe intensity.
- Symptoms lasting between 4–72 hours.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light or noise.
- Visual disturbances or aura symptoms.
- Symptoms aggravated by normal physical activity.
If you experience recurring migraines, identifying potential triggers and contributing factors can be an important part of management. You can also read our related article:
How to Finally Reduce Migraine Frequency With Physio
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are one of the most common headache types. They are often described as a tight band or pressure sensation around the head, forehead or temples.
Unlike cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches are not always caused by the neck. However, increased muscle tension, stress, posture and prolonged positions can contribute to symptoms.
Physiotherapy can help some people with tension headaches by addressing contributing musculoskeletal factors such as muscle tightness, reduced movement and poor postural endurance.
Common Tension Headache Symptoms
- Head pain on both sides of the head.
- Pressing or tightening sensation.
- Non-pulsating pain.
- Mild to moderate severity.
- Symptoms lasting from 30 minutes to several days.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Cervicogenic Headaches?
Physiotherapy for headaches focuses on identifying and treating the physical factors contributing to your symptoms.
For people experiencing cervicogenic headaches, treatment commonly focuses on improving neck movement, reducing muscle tension and restoring strength and control through the neck and upper back.
A physiotherapy assessment may look at:
- Neck joint mobility and movement patterns.
- Muscle strength and endurance.
- Posture and daily movement habits.
- Areas of muscle tension contributing to symptoms.
- Activities or positions that trigger headaches.
Cervicogenic Headache Treatment With Physiotherapy
Effective cervicogenic headache treatment is personalised depending on your symptoms, lifestyle and contributing factors.
Your physiotherapist may use a combination of hands-on treatment and exercise rehabilitation, including:
- Soft tissue treatment to reduce tension in the surrounding neck and shoulder muscles.
- Joint mobilisation techniques to improve cervical spine movement.
- Neck and upper back exercises to improve strength and control.
- Postural education to reduce aggravating positions.
- Movement strategies to help prevent recurring symptoms.
- Advice and reassurance around managing headaches.
The goal of treatment is not only to reduce headache symptoms but also improve neck function, movement confidence and your ability to complete everyday activities.
Physiotherapy Services at BeFit Training Physio
If you are experiencing neck pain and headaches, our physiotherapists can help assess the cause of your symptoms and develop an individualised treatment plan.
Our
TMJ, Headache and Vestibular Physiotherapy service
focuses on conditions involving headaches, jaw-related symptoms, dizziness and balance-related concerns.
This service may be suitable if you are experiencing:
- Recurring headaches linked with neck tension.
- Headaches affected by neck movement or posture.
- Jaw, facial or temple discomfort.
- Dizziness associated with head and neck movement.
- Difficulty managing recurring headache symptoms.
Our team combines clinical assessment, hands-on treatment and exercise rehabilitation to help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and guide your recovery.
Can Exercises Help Cervicogenic Headaches?
Yes. Exercise is an important part of managing cervicogenic headaches because it helps improve the strength, mobility and endurance of the muscles supporting your neck.
Depending on your assessment, exercises may focus on:
- Deep neck flexor strength.
- Upper back and shoulder blade control.
- Cervical spine mobility.
- Postural endurance.
- Gradual exposure to movements that previously triggered symptoms.
A personalised exercise program is often more effective than simply treating symptoms because it addresses the underlying contributors to recurring headaches.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist for Headaches?
While occasional headaches are common, persistent or recurring headaches should be assessed to determine the underlying cause.
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if your headaches:
- Are becoming more frequent or severe.
- Are associated with neck pain or stiffness.
- Change with neck movement or posture.
- Impact your work, exercise or daily activities.
- Are affecting your ability to sleep or concentrate.
- Have not improved with your current management strategies.
A thorough assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are related to cervicogenic headaches, migraines, tension headaches or another underlying issue.
Book Your Cervicogenic Headache Assessment at BeFit Training Physio
If you are experiencing headaches caused by neck pain, getting the right diagnosis is an important first step towards recovery.
At BeFit Training Physio, our physiotherapists assess the relationship between your neck movement, posture, strength and symptoms to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Whether your goal is reducing headache frequency, returning to exercise or improving your daily comfort, physiotherapy can help address the factors contributing to your symptoms.
Learn more about our TMJ, Headache and Vestibular Physiotherapy service
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervicogenic Headaches
Can neck pain cause headaches?
Yes. Neck pain can cause headaches when structures within the cervical spine, including joints, muscles and nerves, become irritated. These are known as cervicogenic headaches.
What are cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from the neck. They occur when structures within the cervical spine refer pain into the head, often causing one-sided headaches associated with neck stiffness or restricted movement.
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Headaches coming from the neck are often associated with neck pain, reduced neck movement, symptoms that change with posture or movement, and tenderness around the base of the skull.
What is the difference between migraines and cervicogenic headaches?
Migraines are primarily neurological headaches and are often associated with symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity and visual changes. Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the neck and are commonly influenced by neck movement and posture.
Can physiotherapy help headaches?
Yes. Physiotherapy for headaches can help by improving neck mobility, reducing muscle tension, strengthening supporting muscles and addressing movement patterns that may contribute to symptoms.
What is the best treatment for cervicogenic headaches?
The best cervicogenic headache treatment depends on the individual. A combination of physiotherapy techniques, exercise rehabilitation, movement strategies and addressing contributing factors is often recommended.
Can poor posture cause neck headaches?
Poor posture and prolonged positions may contribute to neck muscle fatigue, stiffness and irritation of cervical structures, which can contribute to neck headaches in some people.
How long do cervicogenic headaches last?
The duration of cervicogenic headaches varies depending on the underlying cause, how long symptoms have been present and how effectively contributing factors are addressed.
References
This article is based on current clinical understanding of headache classification, cervical spine disorders and musculoskeletal physiotherapy management.
- International Headache Society.
The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). - American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Clinical guidance and resources for physical therapy management. - Jull G, et al.
Clinical features of cervicogenic headache and physiotherapy management approaches. - Bogduk N.
Cervicogenic headache: an anatomical and clinical perspective. - Brukner P, Khan K.
Brukner & Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine.
Summary: Can Physiotherapy Reduce Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from the neck and can be linked with neck stiffness, reduced movement, muscle tension and cervical spine irritation.
Understanding whether your headaches are coming from your neck, migraines or another cause is important because treatment approaches can differ.
With the right assessment and personalised rehabilitation plan, physiotherapy can help reduce symptoms, improve neck function and support long-term headache management.
If you are experiencing ongoing neck pain and headaches, the team at BeFit Training Physio can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and guide you through your recovery.
