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Cervicogenic Headache
Headaches do not always originate in the head. In some cases, pain felt in the head is driven by irritation or sensitivity in the neck. This type of headache is known as a cervicogenic headache.
The upper cervical spine plays an important role in head movement, posture, and sensory input. When joints, muscles, or nerves in the neck become irritated or sensitive, they can refer pain into the head, causing headaches that feel persistent or recurring.
At Avenue Physio, our experienced downtown Calgary physiotherapists help people reduce cervicogenic headaches through evidence-based assessment, education, and progressive movement strategies that address the true source of symptoms and restore confidence in movement.
Recurring headaches may be influenced by the neck. A one on one physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether this is the case and guide next steps.
Understanding Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic headache is caused by structures in the neck rather than by changes within the brain itself. Pain is referred from the joints, muscles, and nerves of the cervical spine into areas of the head such as the base of the skull, the temples, the forehead, or behind the eye.
These headaches often develop gradually and may be influenced by sustained postures, repetitive neck loading, stress, muscle tension, or previous neck injury, such as whiplash.
- A headache that is one-sided or more noticeable on one side
- Pain that begins in the neck and spreads into the head
- Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Headache triggered or worsened by neck movement or sustained positions
- Associated shoulder or upper back discomfort
How Physiotherapy Helps Cervicogenic Headache
Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough one-on-one assessment to understand how your neck moves, how posture and activity influence symptoms, and whether joint stiffness, muscle tension, or nervous system sensitivity are contributing.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Education to help you understand why headaches are occurring
- Hands-on care to address neck joint stiffness and muscle tension
- Targeted mobility exercises for the cervical spine and upper back
- Strengthening for the neck, shoulders, and postural muscles
- Movement guidance to reduce headache triggers
- Gradual exposure to activities or positions you may have been avoiding
Physiotherapy helps reduce headache frequency and intensity by addressing both joint and muscle related drivers of pain and improving movement confidence.
Ready to Reduce Headaches and Move More Comfortably
Facts About Cervicogenic Headache
1️⃣ Headaches can originate from the neck
Joints, muscles, and nerves in the cervical spine can all refer pain into the head and face
2️⃣ Pain does not mean damage
Symptoms often reflect sensitivity rather than structural injury
3️⃣ Muscle tension matters
Sustained muscle guarding and reduced movement variety can amplify headache symptoms
4️⃣ Movement supports recovery
Gentle neck and upper back movement helps reducestiffness and sensitivity
5️⃣ Physiotherapy is an effective first-line treatment
Education, movement, and manual therapy are supported by strong evidence
Frequently Asked Questions - Cervicogenic Headache
How do I know my headache is coming from my neck?
Do I need imaging?
Can exercise make headaches worse?
How long does it take to improve?
Our Additional Expertise
We use evidence based treatment plans focused on education, progressive exercise, and self management to help you regain control and confidence.
How to Get Started
