Cervicogenic Headaches
If you experience headaches that start in your neck and seem to worsen as the day goes on, you may be dealing with cervicogenic headaches—a common but often overlooked cause of persistent head pain. Physiotherapists regularly help people manage and overcome this type of headache through targeted assessment and treatment.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches originate from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine—typically involving the C1, C2, or C3 vertebrae. Unlike migraines or tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches are referred pain from the neck, usually presenting on one side of the head.
Common features include:
A dull, one-sided headache
Pain that refers behind the eye, eyebrow, or temple
Stiffness or discomfort in the neck or upper shoulders
Headaches that worsen as the day progresses and improve with rest
Possible restriction in neck movement, but not always
These headaches can be triggered by poor posture (especially at a desk), previous neck injury (like whiplash), or simply prolonged strain on the upper neck joints and muscles.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At Shenton Quarter Physio, we take a personalised approach to assessing, diagnosing and treating cervicogenic headaches. Physiotherapy can address both the symptoms and the underlying mechanical causes contributing to your pain. Depending on assessment findings, the below treatment methods may help with your headache symptoms.
1. Manual Therapy for Neck Joints
Restricted movement in the upper cervical spine can refer pain into the head. We use gentle joint mobilisations and manual techniques to restore movement, reduce stiffness, and decrease referred pain.
2. Soft Tissue Release
Tight neck and upper shoulder muscles—like the suboccipitals, upper traps, and levator scapulae—often contribute to headache patterns. Myofascial release, massage, and dry needling can help relieve tension and reduce pain intensity.
3. Targeted Exercise Therapy
We prescribe specific strengthening and mobility exercises to stabilise the neck and upper back, improve movement control, and help prevent recurrent headaches.
4. Postural and Ergonomic Advice
Poor desk or sleep posture can overload the neck throughout the day. We provide practical advice and exercises to support better alignment and reduce strain on the cervical spine.
Cervicogenic headaches are frustrating but very treatable with the right physiotherapy approach. If your headaches are worsening throughout the day, involve neck discomfort, or seem to radiate from behind your eye or eyebrow, it may be something that physiotherapy can help with. At Shenton Quarter Physio, our experienced team will work with you to identify the root cause of your pain and develop a tailored treatment plan to help you move and feel better.