Discover Cervicogenic Headache Treatment
Have you ever felt dull, throbbing pain radiating from your neck to your head? You may be dealing with a cervicogenic headache.
Often presenting as a one-sided headache, it starts at the base of the skull and spreads upwards. These headaches are usually caused by an issue in the cervical spine, such as restricted joints, irritated nerves, or poor posture, and may worsen with neck movement.
At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we offer targeted cervicogenic headache treatment to address the underlying dysfunction in the neck. Using hands-on, non-invasive techniques, we focus on safely and effectively reducing the frequency and severity of your headaches.
We understand how frustrating and debilitating cluster headaches are
What is a Cervicogenic Headache?
“Cervicogenic” refers to something originating from the cervical spine and neck region. A cervicogenic headache is a referred pain, meaning the discomfort you feel in your head is caused by structures in the neck, specifically the upper cervical joints, ligaments, discs, or nerve roots.
Classified as a secondary headache, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a standalone one. This type of headache can present without obvious neck pain, which is why it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Safe & Fast
All techniques involve targeted, slow and sustained pressure. There is NO manipulation (cracking) of the spine.
Effective
80% of people assessed have treatable and relevant dysfunction. Most of these will see significant changes in the first two weeks.
100% Natural
No drugs, needles, toxic chemicals or side-effects. Just correcting a previously misunderstood fault in biomechanics.
Cervicogenic Headache Symptoms
Symptoms of cervicogenic headache can overlap with other headache types, but some common features include:
- One-sided pain that starts at the neck or base of the skull
- Pain radiating to the forehead, behind the eye, or to the temples
- Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Headache triggered or worsened by neck movement or sustained or poor posture
- Tenderness in the upper neck or at the base of the skull
- Eye pain or pressure
- Accompanying shoulder or arm discomfort
This condition can make everyday tasks like driving, reading, or sitting at a desk uncomfortable. You may wake with pain after a poor night’s sleep or experience a headache that worsens as the day progresses.
Causes of Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are most commonly linked to dysfunction in the top three vertebrae (C1 to C3) of the neck, vertebral arteries (arteries supplying blood to the brain and spine), or joints, ligaments, and nerve roots in the surrounding area.
They can develop from structural, biomechanical issues or past trauma, such as whiplash, neck injuries, or fractures. Arthritis or degenerative changes in the cervical spine, slipped disc, or pinched nerves can also cause this condition. These often link to poor posture and prolonged desk or screen use.
Understanding the cause helps guide the most appropriate treatment for cervicogenic headache.
Cervicogenic Headache Triggers
Often linked to a sensitised brainstem, triggers can aggravate or set off a headache. This ranges from prolonged postures like long hours working at a desk or sleeping in an awkward position to rapid or repetitive neck movements.
External factors that increase muscle tension, such as stress, poor ergonomics or unsupported seating, wrong lifting postures and even carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can trigger a headache too.
While there isn’t a singular cervicogenic headache cure, identifying and managing these everyday triggers can help reduce flare-ups.
How We Diagnose Cervicogenic Headaches
To offer accurate physiotherapy for cervicogenic headaches in Australia, we start with a thorough medical history and physical examination. We assess the movement and mechanics of your neck, test for joint sensitivity and muscle tension, and identify any consistent pain patterns or nerve sensitivities.
Depending on the area and intensity of your pain, we carefully rule out other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches. If needed, we work closely with neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons to ensure precise diagnosis.
Cervicogenic Headache Treatment
Once the root cause of your pain is identified, we implement a targeted treatment plan. With 100% natural treatment, we focus on safely and effectively correcting dysfunction in the upper neck with slow, sustained pressure. This drug-free method helps desensitise irritated nerves around the brainstem and improve joint mobility.
Our cervicogenic headache physio also provides targeted exercises to restore neck function and build strength, advice on posture and ergonomic support, and guidance around movement and symptom management.
Effective Therapy for Cervicogenic Headaches in Australia
Physiotherapy may offer the long-term relief you’re looking for, with a cervicogenic headache treatment plan that targets the real cause rather than a temporary fix.
We’ve seen many patients with cervicogenic headaches stemming from poor movement in the top of the neck, irritated nerves, or postural strain. Backed by years of research, our non-invasive approach treats issues that weren’t previously picked up, restoring function and reducing nerve irritation.
Beyond Treatments for Cervicogenic Headache: Lasting Relief for Every Issue
Depending on your symptoms, our headache clinic may explore other overlapping conditions. We regularly work with patients seeking care for:
- Headaches: From treatments for sinus headaches to cluster headaches, our clinic offers various therapies addressing the source of your pain.
- Migraines: We treat acute and chronic migraines, helping reduce the intensity and frequency.
- Jaw Pain & Issues: Whether you’re dealing with locking, clicking, or bruxism, we help alleviate your pain and improve jaw function.
A Cervicogenic Headache Physio You Can Trust
Michael Hayward leads Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic with over 34 years of clinical experience treating complex headache and neck-related conditions.
As a Level 3 Watson Headache® Certified Practitioner, he combines advanced hands-on techniques with a deep understanding of biomechanics and neurology. His international training and world-class research place him among the most qualified providers of cervicogenic headache treatment in Australia.
We also treat...
Our experts treat a number of headache and jaw pain issues, and have a high level of knowledge and experience with any pain you may be suffering from.
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Cervicogenic Headache Treatment FAQs
Cervicogenic headaches can last from a few hours to several days, and may recur if the underlying neck issue isn’t treated. Our treatment for cervicogenic headaches identifies and reverses a previously misunderstood or poorly treated fault in the top of the neck, helping with the sensitised brainstem for therapy that makes a difference.
Yes, cervicogenic headaches often come with neck stiffness or shoulder discomfort. The pain usually starts in the upper neck and may spread to the head, behind the eyes, or even down to the shoulders. Addressing the neck dysfunction through cervicogenic headache physiotherapy can ease both the headache and any related tension.
If your headaches are one-sided, worsen with neck movement, or don’t improve with general treatment, it’s worth booking an assessment for cervicogenic headache treatment. Get in touch with our friendly team today.
Helping Countless Clients Find a Pain-Free Path Forward
There is no one-size-fits-all cure for cervicogenic headaches, but treatment is possible. At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we help you uncover the root cause and create a tailored plan for long-term relief.
Stop living with pain – book an appointment at our Bangalow Headache Clinic today.
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