How to tell if your cervical spine is the cause of your headache – and what you can do about it.

Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that in reality originates in the neck rather than in the head. It is due to problems affecting the joints, intervertebral discs or muscles of the cervical spine. For example, disorders of the C1–C2 joint in the neck can cause pain at the back of the head. Likewise, pathology of the C2, C3 and C4 zygapophyseal (facet) joints may give rise to headache in the frontal region, as well as a sensation of pain at the back of the eye.

The neck can trigger headache when structures such as joints, discs and muscles become irritated, strained or degenerated and refer pain to the head; this pattern is typical of cervicogenic headache.

Why the neck can cause headache

• Poor posture for many hours (desk work, driving, mobile phone use).

• Muscle tension due to stress or lack of exercise.

• Degenerative changes, arthritis or a herniated cervical disc.

• Injury, such as a “whiplash” mechanism after an accident.

  
  

Warning symptoms

• Pain that starts at the base of the skull or in the neck and “travels” to the back or side of the head, often on one side.

• Worsening of the headache with neck movements or with prolonged poor posture.

• Neck stiffness, pain in the shoulder or arm, sometimes accompanied by numbness.

  
  

When urgent medical review is needed

• When the headache is sudden, very severe or different from your usual headaches.

• When it is accompanied by weakness, unsteadiness, visual disturbances or numbness in the limbs.

• When the pain persists for weeks despite rest and simple painkillers.

  
  

How it is managed

• In most cases, management is conservative and aims to improve neck function.

• Specific physiotherapy exercises for strengthening and stabilisation.

• Posture correction at the desk and in everyday activities.

• Analgesic or anti‑inflammatory medication where needed, always under medical guidance.

• In selected cases, targeted injections of corticosteroid/local anaesthetic into the joints can relieve pain.

• When neck pain is accompanied by radicular symptoms due to an underlying disc herniation compressing the nerve roots and conservative treatment does not achieve the expected results, surgical treatment of the underlying lesion may be proposed in selected cases.

  
  

What you can do day to day

• Adjust your screen to eye level and keep your head in a neutral position.

• Take short movement breaks every 30–40 minutes.

• Choose a pillow that supports the neck properly.

• Do not ignore a recurrent or persistent headache; seek assessment by a specialist.​

Picture resource: Understanding cervicogenic headaches & neck pain: Advanced spine (no date) The Advanced Spine Center | NJ’s Top Doctors in Spine Relief. Available at: https://theadvancedspinecenter.com/understanding-cervicogenic-headaches-neck-pain/ (Accessed: 27 December 2025).