Understanding Cervicogenic Headache: Causes, Symptoms & How Physiotherapy Can Help
August 17, 2025
Index
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints today, but not all headaches are the same. One often-misdiagnosed type is the cervicogenic headache — a pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head. Unlike migraines or tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches are caused by an underlying issue in the cervical spine. In this blog, we’ll explore what cervicogenic headaches are, their causes and symptoms, and how physiotherapy — especially online care — can help manage and relieve the pain effectively.
📌 What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches, meaning they result from another condition — in this case, a dysfunction in the neck's bones, discs, muscles, or nerves. The pain typically starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the front of the head or behind one eye. 🧠 Unlike migraines, cervicogenic headaches are not caused by brain activity, but by problems in the neck’s musculoskeletal structure.
🔎 Causes of Cervicogenic Headaches
Common causes include: Poor posture (especially from prolonged desk work or phone use)Cervical spine degeneration (arthritis, disc herniation)Whiplash or neck injuriesFacet joint dysfunctionMuscle tension and tightness in the neck and upper shouldersNerve compression in the cervical spineModern lifestyle habits, such as working long hours on laptops or looking down at smartphones, can significantly contribute to these causes.
⚠️ Symptoms to Watch For
Cervicogenic headaches often mimic other types, which makes them hard to identify. Look for these distinguishing symptoms: Pain on one side of the head or facePain that starts at the back of the head and spreads forwardReduced neck mobility or stiffnessPain triggered or worsened by neck movementShoulder or arm pain on the same sideNausea or light sensitivity (less common than with migraines)
🧑⚕️ How Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for cervicogenic headaches because it targets the root cause — the neck dysfunction.
A tailored physiotherapy program may include:
✅ Posture correction and ergonomic advice ✅ Manual therapy to mobilize stiff joints ✅ Stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulder muscles ✅ Neural mobilization to relieve nerve compression ✅ Dry needling or soft tissue release for tight muscles ✅ Education and movement retraining
💡 Why Online Physiotherapy Works
You don’t have to wait weeks or travel long distances to get help. With online physiotherapy, expert care is just a video call away. 🌐 From the comfort of your home, you can: Get a full movement assessmentLearn custom exercises with live demonstrationsReceive posture and lifestyle modificationsTrack your progress with ongoing guidanceOnline care is especially helpful for working professionals, parents, or those in remote areas who need accessible and personalized help.
✅ Final Thoughts
Cervicogenic headaches can be debilitating — but they’re treatable. With expert physiotherapy, you can address the root cause, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence. If you’ve been struggling with one-sided headaches, neck stiffness, or pain that worsens with movement, don’t ignore it. Reach out and take the first step toward healing.
📲 Ready to feel better?
Don’t let neck pain rule your life. Book a virtual consultation today and get started with personalized care that fits your lifestyle. 🔥 Curious if your headache is cervicogenic? Click here and find out how you can treat it from home — with expert help that’s Always There. #CervicogenicHeadache #Physiotherapy #OnlinePhysio #NeckPain #HeadacheRelief #WorkFromHomeHealth #PostureCorrection #Telehealth #PainFreeLiving