Cervicogenic Headaches | Sano Physiotherapy

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Introduction Symptoms Causes How Physio Can Help

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

The term ‘Cervicogenic’ simply refers to the cervical spine, which is part of your spine located near the base of the skull and the nerves, joints and soft tissue of the upper neck can refer pain directly into the head. This means that you perceive the pain to be coming from your head, but in actual fact it is coming from your neck.

Commonly this is misdiagnosed as a ‘migraine’ and medication is prescribed to try and alleviate the symptoms, however cervicogenic headaches are treatable through physiotherapy techniques with quick and effective results.

Symptoms of cervicogenic headaches can include:

Dull aching in the forehead or one side of the head,
Pain radiating into the temples, eyes or eyebrows and
Pain that worsens throughout the day or with neck movements.

Along with head or neck pain, symptoms may also include:

nausea
vomiting
dizziness
blurred vision
feeling pain down one or both arms

What are the causes?

1. Dysfunction in the Upper Cervical Joints (C1–C3)

CGH typically arises from irritation or dysfunction in the upper cervical joints, especially the atlanto‑occipital (C1) and atlanto‑axial (C2) joints. These joints are heavily involved in head movement and are sensitive to strain.

2. Trigeminocervical Convergence (Referred Pain Mechanism)

Pain-sensitive structures in the upper neck send signals to the trigeminocervical nucleus, a shared sensory pathway with the trigeminal nerve. This neuroanatomical overlap means irritation in the neck can be felt as a headache around the eyes, forehead, temples or back of the head.

3. Neck Trauma or Whiplash

Any injury involving sudden acceleration–deceleration forces (e.g., car accidents, sports injuries) can irritate cervical joints, nerves and soft tissues, increasing sensitivity and leading to chronic headache symptoms.

4. Muscle Tension and Myofascial Trigger Points

Tightness or spasms in muscles can refer pain into the head. Muscle tenderness on the symptomatic side is a common feature.

5. Postural Strain (Forward Head Posture)

Sustained or awkward postures — often from computer work, phone use, or long periods sitting — overload the cervical joints and muscles, leading to CGH. Poor posture is highlighted as a major triggering factor.

6. Cervical Disc Pathology

Aseptic inflammation or irritation from disc issues can activate C‑fiber pain pathways, contributing to headache symptoms

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for cervicogenic headaches because it targets the source of the pain. There are multiple ways physiotherapy can help, joint mobilisations, manipulations, and soft tissue techniques can help restore movement and reduce pain from irritated cervical joints. Deep tissue release and trigger point therapy can help to reduce tension in the neck and shoulder muscles to decrease the pain. Targeted exercises can also strengthen the deep neck flexors and stabilising muscles, improving cervical posture and reducing strain on sensitive structures. Physiotherapy aims to restore cervical stability and function

At Sano Physiotherapy we carry out an in-depth assessment to find the source of your referred pain and we use a wide range of hands-on techniques to treat your symptoms such as:

Passive mobilisations to the joints,
Massage of tight muscles
Acupuncture

We also work with you to prevent the problem re-occurring and use posture correction techniques, ergonomic assessment and advice and specific strengthening or stretching exercises to improve muscle balance and control.

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Cervicogenic Headaches.