27/10/2025
treated with great success :)
Many people suffer from chronic headaches without realising that the true source may lie in the neck. This type of pain is known as a cervicogenic headache — “cervico” meaning neck, and “genic” meaning origin.
Unlike migraines, cervicogenic headaches often begin at the base of the skull and radiate toward the forehead, temple, or even behind the eyes. The pain is usually one-sided but can spread across the head.
So, how does it happen?
👉 Poor posture, muscle imbalance, joint stiffness, or previous neck injuries can cause irritation of the upper cervical joints (especially between C1–C3).
👉 These joints share nerve pathways with areas of the head and face, which means pain in the neck can be “referred” to the head.
👉 Tight muscles — such as the suboccipitals, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae — can further compress nerves, creating a cycle of tension and discomfort.
Typical symptoms include:
▪Headache that starts in the neck or back of the head
▪Pain triggered by neck movement or prolonged posture
▪Stiffness or reduced neck mobility
▪Pain on one side of the head or face
💡 What can help?
Gentle mobility work, stretching, posture correction, and manual therapy (osteopathic, physiotherapy, or massage) can reduce joint irritation and muscle tension. In many cases, addressing these underlying issues provides more lasting relief than medication alone.
The key is to treat the source, not just the symptom.
