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Cervicogenic Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Little habits you unknowingly do daily may contribute to cervicogenic headaches. Those who spend time in front of a computer screen for most of the day spend more time pushing their neck forward. Cervicogenic headaches occur when there is joint dysfunction in the neck. Those with cervicogenic headaches may experience pain in the head, neck, and shoulders.

While not all health experts agree on the category of cervicogenic headaches as a clinical diagnosis, knowing if you’re experiencing one may help with diagnosing pain occurring in your cervical joints.

What are Cervicogenic Headaches?

A cervicogenic headache is referred pain from joint dysfunction in the upper part of the neck near the head and the top of the spine. Unlike the occasional headache that is only felt near the temples, this pain may be felt on one or both sides of the head, face, and shoulders. The intensity of pain from a cervicogenic headache may vary. Most people experience more pain near the neck when moving the head during a headache.

There is no set standard for how long a cervicogenic headache should last. Some headaches last for one hour or recur for days or months. While other types of headaches are common signs of a stroke, cervicogenic headaches have more to do with bones in the neck and spine.

What are the Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches?

Common symptoms associated with cervicogenic headaches include:

• Nausea

• Neck stiffness

• Blurred vision

• Trouble sleeping

• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

• Dizziness

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Phonophobia (fear of loud noises)

What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?

Bad posture habits and trauma to the neck are common causes of cervicogenic headaches. Weightlifting is a physical activity that places pressure on the neck. It’s not uncommon to experience cervicogenic headaches especially when straining the muscles during weightlifting activities.

The following health conditions increase your risk of cervicogenic headaches:

• Cervical spondylosis: A degenerative disease that causes pain in the neck from compression to disks in the spine.

• Concussion: After a concussion, it is common to experience a cervicogenic headache or migraine.

• Arthritis: Inflammation in the bones between the cervical spine and the skull. 

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that may cause tissue in the joint to break down.

How are Cervicogenic Headaches Diagnosed?

This type of headache is difficult to diagnose because they have similar symptoms to tension headaches and migraines. When diagnosing head pain, a healthcare provider will take a look at your medical history and perform a routine physical exam. 

If needed, a healthcare provider may perform a neurological exam to check for any warning signs in the brain. Additional tests may include:

• X-ray: During an x-ray, an image is taken of the bones in the neck and spine.

• MRI: An MRI uses radio waves to show more detailed images of bones in the head, neck, and spine.

• CT scan: A CT scan is often a more detailed image of several X-rays to show bones in the neck and spine from multiple angles.

What is the difference between cervicogenic headaches and migraines?

Cervicogenic headaches are often mistaken for migraines or tension headaches. Tension headaches come from cervical myofascial pain or pain in the muscles supporting the head and neck. Migraines are typically associated with general neck pain, whereas cervicogenic headaches specifically come from pain and dysfunction in joints in the neck.

How are Cervicogenic Headaches Treated?

One of the main goals of treatment for cervicogenic headaches is targeting any pain in the spinal nerves. Your treatment plan may consist of physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and medications to manage neck and head pain.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications temporarily relieve pain in the muscles. For example, aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may help relieve pain.

If pain is recurring, a healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications:

• Nerve blockers: A procedure where pain medications and local anesthetics are injected into the head and neck.

• Botulinum toxin injections: There is limited evidence that botulinum injections are an effective form of treatment. These injections block stimulation to certain nerves.

While rare, surgery is another option for treating pain in the head and the neck. Nerve decompression surgery is a procedure where nerves in muscles, blood vessels, and tissue lining are removed. This is a minimally invasive procedure that takes two to three hours to complete. The recovery process lasts for about one to two weeks.

Therapy treatments for cervicogenic headaches

Pressure in the joints increases the risk of cervicogenic headaches. Physical therapy helps prevent pressure when moving the joints. Less pressure in the joints reduces stress on the nerves and prevents pain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation — also known as TENS therapy — is a treatment that uses electrodes to stimulate nerves in the neck and head. The electrodes release a low-voltage current that activates the sensory nerves.

Spinal manipulation is commonly used to treat pain that exists between the head and spine. This treatment focuses on relieving pressure by massaging the bones in the neck near the top of the spine. A healthcare provider may introduce exercises that help with mobility in the neck, spine, and shoulders.

How to find relief from cervicogenic headaches

A healthcare provider may recommend massage therapy to help with pain management. Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that targets pain points to provide relief. During acupuncture, a healthcare provider uses small needles to stimulate nerves. The treatment is relatively painless and may help reduce stiffness in the head, neck, and shoulders.

Home Remedies for Cervicogenic Headaches

It’s important to try to be aware of how your neck is feeling throughout the day. The way you sleep and sit at desks influences how your neck and head feel when you move your body. Small exercises to release tension in the neck may help prevent cervicogenic headaches. Heating pads and rest may also help to relieve pain in the neck and head.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Intense pain in the head and the neck may be a sign of a more serious health condition. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing intense pain that makes it difficult to complete everyday activities. If you feel additional symptoms with a cervicogenic headache, seek medical attention right away.

The following  may be red flags or warning signs of serious health conditions:

• Fever

• Skin rash

• A history of cancer, HIV, or autoimmune conditions

• Consistent neck stiffness

Where Can I Learn More About Managing Headaches?

A stubborn headache does not have to constantly get in the way of a productive day. Through LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can provide tips on managing headaches and other types of pain.

Schedule an appointment today to speak with a healthcare provider about treatment options for different types of pain.

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