What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache starts in the neck, not the brain. The pain arises from problems with the cervical spine (upper neck vertebrae), neck joints, muscles, or nerves and radiates upward into the head. Common triggers include poor posture, whiplash injury, arthritis, muscle tension, or misaligned vertebrae that irritate nerve roots.

Unlike migraines, which involve vascular and neurological changes and often come with nausea or light sensitivity, cervicogenic headaches typically produce steady, one-sided pain at the base of the skull that may spread across the top or side of the head. They differ from tension headaches, which usually feel like a band of pressure around the entire head and stem from muscle tightness rather than neck joint dysfunction.

The pain often worsens with certain neck movements, prolonged sitting, or holding the head in one position. People with cervicogenic headaches may also notice stiffness, reduced neck mobility, or tenderness along the cervical spine. This type of headache accounts for a significant portion of chronic headaches and is often overlooked because sufferers mistake it for migraine or tension pain.

Chiropractors in the Klang Valley focus on diagnosing cervicogenic headaches by assessing cervical alignment and neck function. Proper diagnosis matters because the treatment approach differs from migraine or tension headache management. If you suspect your headaches originate from your neck, consult a chiropractor specializing in neck posture and cervical care for an accurate assessment and targeted treatment plan.