Is Your Neck Causing Your Headaches? Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches
Have you ever had a headache that starts at the base of your skull or creeps up from your neck? If so, you might be dealing with a cervicogenic headache — a type of headache that comes from issues in the neck.
This is something we treat regularly at Thrive Physio, and with the right approach, relief is often just around the corner.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache — meaning it’s caused by a problem somewhere else in the body. In this case, the problem is in the neck (cervical spine).
These headaches are often caused by:
Poor posture (especially from sitting at a desk or looking down at devices)
Muscle tightness or weakness
Joint stiffness in the upper neck
Past neck injuries (e.g. whiplash)
Unlike migraines or tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches usually come from mechanical or structural issues in the neck — and they tend to respond really well to physiotherapy.
Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches
Wondering if your headaches are cervicogenic? Here are some signs to look for:
Pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head or behind the eyes
Headache that worsens with neck movement or poor posture
One-sided headache pain
Stiff neck or reduced movement
Shoulder or upper back tightness
Tenderness around the base of the skull
How Physiotherapy Treats Cervicogenic Headaches
At Thrive Physio, we take a tailored approach to treating neck-related headaches. Here’s how we can help:
1. Accurate Assessment
We start with a thorough assessment of your neck, upper spine, and posture to find the root cause of your symptoms.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques like:
Joint mobilisations
Trigger point release
Soft tissue massage
These help relieve pressure on the sensitive joints and nerves triggering your headache.
3. Postural Correction & Ergonomic Advice
We look at your work setup, phone habits, and posture, then give you practical tips to prevent your symptoms returning.
4. Targeted Exercises
You’ll get a tailored program including:
Neck and shoulder stretches
Deep neck flexor strengthening
Postural control and scapular stability work
5. Education & Self-Management
We’ll show you how to manage symptoms between sessions and what to do if a headache returns.
When to See a Physio for Headaches
If your headaches are frequent, seem to start in your neck, or aren’t responding to painkillers, it’s worth seeing a physiotherapist.
We’ll help:
Rule out other causes
Identify neck-related triggers
Create a personalised treatment plan
Book a Physio Appointment for Headache Relief
Cervicogenic headaches are common — but they’re also very treatable. You don’t have to keep putting up with them.
At Thrive Physio, we combine hands-on treatment, movement rehab, and practical advice to help you feel better, faster.
