What are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that actually start in the neck but are felt in the head. The pain is referred from irritated joints, muscles, or nerves in the cervical spine (your neck), and often mimics migraine or tension-type headaches.

At 3PT, we frequently see patients with cervicogenic headaches — especially following whiplash, poor posture, stress, or repetitive strain. With the right treatment, these headaches can often be reduced or eliminated.

How Cervicogenic Headaches Feel

Common symptoms include:

Pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the back, side, or front of the head
Headaches often triggered by neck movement or sustained posture (like sitting at a desk)
Stiffness or tightness in the neck and upper shoulders
One-sided pain that may spread behind the eye or to the temple
Headaches worsened by stress, fatigue, or certain positions

Why Do They Happen?

Cervicogenic headaches are usually caused by:

Tight muscles in the neck and upper shoulders
Restricted joints in the cervical spine
Nerve irritation from poor alignment or posture
Whiplash or motor vehicle accidents
Repetitive strain from desk work, phone use, or lifting

How 3PT Treats Cervicogenic Headaches

Our approach combines evidence-based techniques to relieve pain and prevent recurrence:

Dry Needling – Releases tight trigger points in the neck and shoulders that often contribute to headache pain.
Joint & Soft Tissue Mobilizations – Restores normal motion in the cervical spine and reduces referred pain.
Targeted Exercises – Strengthens deep neck stabilizers and postural muscles to prevent flare-ups.
Education & Ergonomics – We teach strategies for desk setup, posture, and lifestyle adjustments that make a big difference.

What the Research Says

Manual therapy and exercise are proven to significantly reduce cervicogenic headache frequency and intensity (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2016).
Dry needling to cervical muscles is effective in decreasing headache pain and improving function (Pain Medicine, 2019).
Addressing neck strength and posture helps prevent recurrence of cervicogenic headaches (Cephalalgia, 2020).

Common Questions

Are cervicogenic headaches the same as migraines?
No — they can feel similar, but cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck, whereas migraines are neurological. A thorough evaluation helps determine the cause.

Can PT really help headaches?
Yes — for headaches linked to neck dysfunction, physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments available.