Cervicogenic (Neck-Related) Headache

• As the name suggests, cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches are caused by functional disorders in various structures of the neck.

• People who suffer from this type of headache usually feel pain and tension rising from the neck before the actual headache or throbbing sensation begins.

• The pain most commonly occurs at the back of the head and in the temples.

Cervicogenic (neck-related) headache

Neck-related headaches are a common symptom seen in clinical practice. The cause of the headache can often be traced to functional disorders of the cervical spine joints, the muscles of the neck and shoulder area, or the connective tissues in the region.

Cervicogenic headache is also commonly associated with other primary headache types, such as tension-type headache and migraine. As the name implies, the pain originates in the joints, muscles, and connective tissue structures of the neck. The most common sources of pain are the upper trapezius and occipital muscles.

Symptoms of Neck-Related Headaches

• Pain, throbbing, stiffness, aching, and/or tension in the head area originating from the neck.

• Symptoms are usually more pronounced on one side.

• Pain typically worsens with extreme neck movements.

• The headache is usually more localized than in tension-type headaches or migraines.

• Other possible symptoms include neck-related dizziness, neck and shoulder tension, dysfunction of the jaw joint and masticatory muscles, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and numbness in the face and/or hands.

• Skin sensitivity is often heightened (sensitization) when pressing (palpating) joints, muscles, or fascia.

• Some tension-type headaches are accompanied by somatosensory tinnitus, i.e., tinnitus originating from the musculoskeletal system.

• Unlike migraines, tension-type headaches are not accompanied by prodromal symptoms such as visual disturbances, nausea, fatigue, or malaise.

Causes of Prolonged Symptoms

Prolonged symptoms are usually caused by a combination of several factors rather than by a single cause. These may include:

• Physiological strain due to previous injuries, premature wear, or functional disorders, especially in the neck, jaw joint, shoulders, or mid-back.

• Impaired neck movement control, i.e., dysfunctional postures and movement patterns.

• Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and/or excessive mental stress.

• Lifestyle factors such as overly repetitive activity, insufficient exercise, or inadequate sleep and nutrition.

• Local or central sensitization of the pain system within the nervous system.

• Social factors such as insufficient environmental support or dissatisfaction with family or work circumstances.

• A history of long-term tension-type or migraine headaches.

Treatment and Rehabilitation of Neck-Related Headaches

Treatment usually includes:

• Manual therapy to address joint, muscle, and fascial dysfunctions.

• Neurological rehabilitation to correct individual neurological deficits.

• Individualized exercise programs to improve posture and movement control.

• Acupuncture to relieve pain and reduce pain sensitization.

• Lifestyle guidance to improve exercise, sleep, rest, and nutritional habits.

Read more about related pain syndromes:

Jaw pain and masticatory muscle pain

Tension headache

Cervical intervertebral disc prolapse

Pain in the middle back / thoracic spine

Chest pain

Viimeksi päivitetty 13.10.2025