A cervicogenic headache is a pain that develops in the neck and a person feels up into their head. It is a type of headache that results from another condition, such as a neck trauma or an infection.
People may confuse cervicogenic headaches with migraine and tension headaches, both of which can cause neck pain.
Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches. Secondary headaches result from an underlying condition, such as neck injuries, infections, or severe high blood pressure. This sets them apart from primary headaches, such as migraine and cluster headaches.
In this article, we discuss some symptoms, causes, and treatments for cervicogenic headaches.
In most cases, cervicogenic headaches develop on one side of the head, starting from the back of the head and neck and radiating toward the front.
Some other symptoms of a cervicogenic headache include:
- pain around the eyes
- pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm on one side
- head pain from certain neck movements or positions
- sensitivity to light and noise
- nausea
- blurred vision
Cervicogenic headaches result from structural problems in the neck and are often due to problems with vertebrae at the top of the spine, called the cervical vertebrae. The
Some people develop cervicogenic headaches due to straining their necks. People can also develop cervicogenic headaches after an injury to the neck. This is better known as whiplash.
Some medical conditions that can cause cervicogenic headaches include:
Cervicogenic headaches can be difficult to diagnose, and doctors will typically focus on excluding other causes of primary headaches and migraine.
After assessing a person’s symptoms and medical history, doctors may order tests to confirm a cervicogenic headache.
- Physical assessment: If physical manipulation of the head and spine alters or resolves symptoms, it may indicate a cervicogenic headache.
- Nerve blocks: A doctor may administer a nerve block to the neck if they suspect a cervicogenic headache. If this pain-numbing injection stops symptoms, it can confirm the neck as the root of the headache.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, can help assess the bone, tissue, and nerve structure of the neck. This can
rule out physical malformations and aid diagnosis.
A cervicogenic headache can become debilitating without diagnosis and treatment.
Some people can also experience chronic or recurring cervicogenic headaches. If this happens to someone, they should contact their healthcare professional to discuss treatment options.
People should contact their healthcare professional if they experience a headache along with:
- severe pain
- fever
- rash
- nausea or vomiting
- confusion
- trouble speaking
- vision loss
- difficulty walking
- muscle weakness
A cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache that results from problems in the neck. Causes of a cervicogenic headache include malformations of the cervical vertebrae, injuries to the neck, inflammation, and other medical conditions.
Without treatment, a cervicogenic headache can worsen and become debilitating. People can experience chronic or recurrent headaches that do not respond to medication.
People can relieve their symptoms at home or through a combination of therapeutic, surgical, and medicinal methods.