Many people assume every recurring headache is a migraine, but headaches can sometimes originate from the neck itself. If your pain starts in the neck and travels upward into the head, you may be experiencing a cervicogenic headache.
Because cervicogenic headaches can mimic migraines, they are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Understanding the symptoms can help you determine when neck problems may be contributing to your headaches.
Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches?
Yes, neck pain can cause a headache. Problems involving the joints, muscles, discs, or nerves of the neck can sometimes trigger headaches. These headaches are known as cervicogenic headaches, meaning the pain originates from the cervical spine (the neck) and is referred to the head.
Unlike migraines, the primary source of pain is not the brain itself but an underlying neck condition.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is classified as a secondary headache because it develops as a result of another condition affecting the neck.
Pain often begins in the neck before spreading to:
- The back of the head
- The temple
- The forehead
- Around one eye
- One side of the face
Many patients describe the pain as a deep, steady ache rather than the throbbing sensation often associated with migraines.
Symptoms of a Cervicogenic Headache
Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and headache occurring together
- Pain that starts at the base of the skull
- One-sided head pain
- Neck stiffness
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Pain that worsens with neck movement
- Tenderness in the neck or shoulders
Some people may also experience:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Because symptoms can overlap with migraines, a medical evaluation is often needed for an accurate diagnosis.
What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?
Several conditions affecting the neck can contribute to cervicogenic headaches.
Common causes include:
- Poor posture
- Cervical arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Whiplash injuries
- Neck muscle strain
- Nerve irritation
- Joint dysfunction in the cervical spine
Extended periods of looking down at a phone, tablet, or computer may also aggravate symptoms.
Cervicogenic Headache vs. Migraine
Although headaches and migraines can feel similar, important differences exist.
Cervicogenic Headache
- Begins in the neck
- Usually affects one side of the head
- Often accompanied by neck stiffness
- Triggered by neck movement or posture
- May not respond well to migraine medications
Migraine
- Originates within the brain
- Often causes throbbing pain
- May affect one or both sides
- Commonly associated with nausea and light sensitivity
- Frequently responds to migraine-specific treatments
Because treatment approaches differ, identifying the correct cause is important.
How Are Cervicogenic Headaches Treated?
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying neck problem.
Depending on the cause, options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Posture correction
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Trigger point injections
- Nerve blocks
- Other pain management techniques
Many patients experience improvement when both headache symptoms and neck dysfunction are addressed together.
Exercises That May Help
Your healthcare provider or physical therapist may recommend exercises such as:
- Chin tucks
- Gentle neck stretches
- Shoulder blade squeezes
- Range-of-motion exercises
Exercise recommendations should always be individualized, particularly if pain is severe or movement is limited.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Schedule an evaluation if:
- Headaches occur frequently
- Neck pain accompanies your headaches
- Symptoms are worsening
- Over-the-counter medications are not helping
- Headaches interfere with daily activities
Early diagnosis can help identify the source of pain and guide appropriate treatment.
Find Relief From Neck Pain and Headaches
If your headaches seem to start in your neck, the underlying problem may be more than a typical migraine. Identifying and treating the root cause can help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
The providers at BASS Medical Group evaluate headaches, neck pain, spine conditions, and related musculoskeletal issues to help patients find effective treatment options.
Schedule an appointment with a BASS Medical Group provider if neck pain and headaches are affecting your daily life.
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