Headaches That Start in Your Neck: Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches
Not all headaches begin in your head. Some start lower down, in the joints, muscles and nerves of the upper neck, and are felt as pain in the head. These are called cervicogenic headaches, and they're a type we commonly assess at our Kenmore chiropractic clinic.
If you've noticed your headaches seem connected to your neck, this article is for you.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
"Cervicogenic" simply means "originating from the neck". The upper joints of your neck share nerve connections with areas of your head and face, which is why irritation in the neck can be felt as head pain. It's an example of what's known as referred pain.
Common signs
Cervicogenic headaches often have a distinctive pattern. People frequently describe:
Pain on one side of the head, often starting at the base of the skull and spreading towards the forehead, temple or behind the eye
Neck stiffness or reduced movement, especially turning the head
Headaches triggered or worsened by certain neck positions or movements
Tenderness at the top of the neck or base of the skull
Headaches that follow long periods at a desk, on a device or behind the wheel
Everyone's experience is a little different, and headaches can have many causes, which is why assessment matters.
What contributes to them?
Common contributing factors include:
Long hours of desk and screen work, particularly with the head carried forward
Previous neck injuries, such as whiplash
Sleeping positions or pillows that don't suit your neck
Stress and jaw clenching, which can increase muscle tension through the neck
Repetitive or sustained postures at work, from tradies looking overhead to office workers looking down
Not all headaches are the same
Migraines, tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches can look similar on the surface, and some people experience more than one type. There are also rarer causes of headache that need medical care. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience a sudden severe headache, headache with fever, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or a headache after a head injury.
What can you do at home?
Break up sustained postures. Set a reminder to move every 30 to 45 minutes during desk work.
Check your screen height. The top of your monitor at roughly eye level helps keep your neck in a more neutral position.
Gentle neck movement. Slow, comfortable range-of-motion exercises can help ease stiffness for many people.
Look at your pillow. Your head and neck should feel supported in line with your spine, not propped up or tipped back.
Manage stress where you can. Breathing exercises, walks and regular activity all play a part.
How can chiropractic care help?
At Balance Chiropractic Kenmore, we begin with a detailed history and examination to work out whether your neck is likely contributing to your headaches. Care is individualised and may include gentle manual techniques for the neck, guidance on posture and workstation setup, and exercises to do at home.
We see many desk-based professionals and work-from-home locals from Kenmore, Chapel Hill, Indooroopilly, Graceville and the surrounding western suburbs, so headache and neck complaints are familiar territory for our team.
If headaches are interrupting your work, sleep or family time, an assessment is a sensible first step. You'll find us at 1/2105 Moggill Rd, Kenmore.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a registered health practitioner about your individual circumstances.
