Conditions we treat
When headaches actually start in the neck
Cervicogenic headaches are one of the few headache types where treating the neck directly tends to make a real difference.
A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by a problem in the neck, usually the upper cervical joints or surrounding muscles, rather than originating in the head itself. Because the nerves supplying the upper neck also supply parts of the scalp and face, irritation in the neck can genuinely be felt as head pain.
These headaches are often mistaken for tension headaches or migraines, which is part of why they go untreated for so long. The distinguishing features tend to be a one-sided pattern, a starting point at the base of the skull, and a clear link to neck position or movement.
Because the cause sits in the neck, this is a category of headache where Chiropractic assessment is particularly relevant, identifying and treating the specific joints and muscles involved rather than just managing the pain itself.
Common signs & symptoms
- Headache that starts at the base of the skull and spreads to one side of the head
- Pain that worsens with certain neck movements or sustained postures
- Reduced neck range of motion alongside the headache
- Tenderness over the upper neck when pressed
- Headache triggered or aggravated by prolonged desk work
- A steady, non-throbbing quality, unlike typical migraine pain
- Associated neck or shoulder stiffness
What causes cervicogenic headaches?
Upper cervical joint dysfunction — stiffness in the top two or three neck joints is the most common driver
Muscle tightness — tension in the muscles at the base of the skull can refer pain forward into the head
Prolonged poor posture — hours of forward head posture at a desk load the upper neck disproportionately ([posture](/conditions/posture/))
Previous neck injury — earlier trauma can leave the upper neck more prone to referring pain
Sleep posture — an unsupportive pillow can aggravate the upper neck overnight
How we help at IA Chiropractic
Diagnosis relies on a careful history and physical examination of the upper neck, checking which movements and pressure points reproduce your specific headache.
Where the neck is confirmed as the source, treatment typically combines Chiropractic adjustments targeted at the upper cervical joints with soft tissue therapy for the surrounding muscles.
We’ll also look at contributing habits, desk setup, sleep position, screen time, since addressing these alongside treatment tends to produce more lasting improvement than treatment alone.