{"id":5976,"date":"2026-10-23T10:40:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T14:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kiroclinique.ca\/?p=5976"},"modified":"2026-10-23T10:58:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T14:58:03","slug":"cervicogenic-headache-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kiroclinique.ca\/en\/cervicogenic-headache-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Cervicogenic Headache Treatment : Approaches for Long Term Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not every headache starts in the head. A cervicogenic headache begins in the neck, and no two people describe it quite the same way. Working out the right cervicogenic headache treatment starts with one question: is the cervical spine driving the pain?<\/p>\n

This guide walks through what causes a cervicogenic headache, how it differs from a migraine, and the treatment options worth discussing with a practitioner.<\/p>\n

What Causes a Cervicogenic Headache?<\/h2>\n

A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache: the pain starts in the cervical spine, then travels up into the head. That sets it apart from a primary headache disorder such as a migraine or a tension-type headache, where the pain begins in the head itself. Our headache and migraine assessment<\/a> starts with the cervical spine, since that’s often where a secondary headache begins.<\/p>\n

Common causes of cervicogenic headache include a disorder of the cervical spine: a cervical facet joint<\/strong> that’s irritated, tight soft tissue around the upper cervical segments, or a nerve root under strain.<\/p>\n

Poor posture, an old whiplash injury, or hours hunched over a screen can all set it off across the head and neck. Typical symptoms include neck pain, shoulder tightness, a reduced range of motion<\/strong>, and headache pain that tends to start on one side and stay there.<\/p>\n

Cervicogenic Headache vs. Migraine and Tension-Type Headache<\/h3>\n

Cervicogenic headache is one type of headache that’s easy to confuse with a migraine or a cluster headache. A migraine tends to pound on one side with light sensitivity, while a tension-type headache feels more like a tight band. The International Headache Society’s International Classification of Headache Disorders<\/a> sets out specific criteria for a cervicogenic headache. A practitioner typically assesses the neck and cervical spine through a physical exam, without invasive tests or magnetic resonance imaging.<\/p>\n

Cervicogenic Headache Treatment Options for Neck Headache Relief<\/h2>\n

Cervicogenic headache disorders are common: a systematic review of conservative physical therapy management<\/a> found they make up 15 to 20 per cent of chronic and recurrent headaches, and many headache patients never realize the neck is involved. Management of cervicogenic headache usually follows a simple line of treatment:<\/p>\n