Cervicogenic headache
Headache referred from structures in the neck, often one-sided.
Overview
Cervicogenic headache is pain referred to the head from the upper neck joints, muscles or nerves. It is typically one-sided, linked to neck movement or posture, and responds to treatment directed at the neck.
Symptoms
- One-sided headache starting from the neck
- Pain triggered by neck movement or sustained posture
- Reduced upper-neck mobility
- Tenderness over the upper neck joints
Causes
- Upper cervical joint dysfunction
- Sustained postures and muscle overload
- Previous neck injury
Treatment
- Manual therapy to the upper neck
- Neck mobility and deep-neck strengthening
- Posture and ergonomic advice
- Headache education