14/11/2025
CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES: IT'S NOT JUST A PAIN IN THE NECK
Headaches: the uninvited guest. Sometimes they appear as a dull ache, just lurking in the background, and other times they arrive all of a sudden, hitting you like a sledgehammer. They can make you sensitive to light, sound, or smells; they might bring dizziness or nausea to the party; and they can stick around for minutes or days. But no matter how they show up, one things for certain - they’re a real… headache.
While there are many different types of headaches, let’s focus on one that doesn’t get nearly enough attention but causes a lot of fuss - cervicogenic headaches.
If you sit at a desk all day, battle stress like a gladiator, or deal with postural issues, you might know these headaches better than you think.
WHAT ARE CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES?
Let’s break it down: -genic means “originating from,” and cervico- refers to the neck (specifically the cervical spine). Put it together, and you’ve got headaches that originate from the joints, muscles, or nerves in the neck.
Here’s the interesting part: pain in one part of the body can “refer” to another area entirely. The pain doesn’t always stay where it starts. Take a heart attack, for example —it causes chest pain but can also radiate down the left arm. The same idea applies to every area of your body.
So what are the some of the key suspects in cervicogenic headaches?
1. The Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle
This long muscle runs from your sternum to just behind your jaw. If you’ve ever held your phone between your ear and shoulder while carrying your shopping, you’ve called this muscle into action. It can become a big pain generator when overused or tight, referring pain to your forehead, cheekbone, or around your eye. Over time, this can cause headaches that might even mimic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction.
2. The Suboccipital Muscles
These tiny, triangle-shaped muscles at the base of your skull are critical for head movement and posture. If you spend your day hunched over a desk (hello, “tech neck”), these muscles can become tight and strained.
They’re also important for proprioception—a fancy term for your brain’s awareness of where your head and body are in space. When these muscles aren’t functioning at their best, your posture takes a hit, and headaches often follow.
3. The Cervical Facet Joints
These small joints act like hinges between the vertebrae that help your neck move smoothly. If they become irritated or inflamed, they can cause localized pain, headaches at the base of the skull, or even pain that radiates down the arms. Restricted movement in these joints can also lead to muscle imbalances and further strain.
BREATHING, POSTURE, AND STRESS: THE PERFECT STORM
Many people with cervicogenic headaches also struggle with poor breathing mechanics. Are you breathing from your chest instead of your belly? If so, your upper traps and neck muscles are working overtime, which only adds to the tension.
And let’s not forget stress—chronic tension can overload your nervous system and contribute to what feels like a never-ending headache cycle.
WHY CHIROPRACTIC CARE WORKS
Cervicogenic headaches respond exceptionally well to chiropractic care. Why? Because chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy target the root cause: the muscles, joints, and nerves in your neck.
What the Science Says:
A 2019 study by Côté et al. found that spinal manipulative therapy (a key chiropractic technique) effectively reduces pain and improves function in patients with cervicogenic headaches.
Research by Haavik et al. (2018) highlights that chiropractic adjustments can improve proprioception by activating suboccipital muscles and enhancing the brain-body connection. Improved proprioception doesn’t just relieve pain—it can also boost coordination. (Fun fact: this was demonstrated in dart players who showed improved accuracy after chiropractic care!)
The NHS itself recommends conservative treatments like manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening for cervicogenic headaches—all of which are staples in chiropractic care.
BUT ISN’T CHIROPRACTIC THE SAME AS OTHER TREATMENTS?
Here’s the deal: studies show chiropractic is as effective as medication or physiotherapy for cervicogenic headaches. So why don’t we hear about it more? Chiropractic offers a hands-on, drug-free approach with the added benefit of addressing your body as a whole.
And there’s something else to consider: time. Why wait months for a referral when you can access chiropractic care quickly and start feeling better sooner? Imagine you can access quality care before your headaches start interrupting your work and social life!
BEYOND THE NECK: WHY YOUR CHIROPRACTOR LOOKS AT EVERYTHING
Your chiropractor doesn’t just stop at your neck. They’re trained to consider how your whole body works together. That shoulder tension, poor posture, or even the way you stand could be contributing to your headaches.
For example, pelvic misalignment can affect your lats, which impacts your shoulders, which—surprise!—can create tension in your neck. It’s all connected, and your chiropractor knows how to unravel the chain.
THE TAKEAWAY
Cervicogenic headaches might be common, but they don’t have to be your normal. If you’re dealing with headaches that feel like they’re rooted in your neck, it might be time to visit your local chiropractor; Chiropractic care offers an evidence-based, holistic, targeted and effective solution that addresses the root cause of the problem and helps you feel, move and live better! After all, why wait until the pain becomes unbearable? Take control of your health today—your neck (and your head) will thank you.
If you would like a consultation with one of our amazing practitioners please call 01707 333390.
REFERENCES
Côté, P., Wong, J. J., Sutton, D. A., et al. (2019). Management of neck pain and associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. European Spine Journal, 28(6), 1416-1429.
Haavik, H., Niazi, I. K., Holt, K., et al. (2018). The effects of spinal manipulation on central integration of dual somatosensory input observed as a somatosensory evoked potential. Journal of Neural Plasticity.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Headaches: Diagnosis and management of headaches in young people and adults. NICE Guidelines.
