Solving the Neck-Headache Puzzle: Relief Starts with Physiotherapy
Headaches: Why the Real Pain Might Be in Your Neck
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people—sometimes even on a daily basis. While headaches can have a variety of causes, understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing is the first step toward effective treatment and prevention.
Among the most common headache types are:
Migraines
Tension-Type Headaches (TTH)
Cervicogenic Headaches (CGH)
Up to 20% of all headaches are believed to be cervicogenic in origin, meaning they actually stem from dysfunction in the neck rather than the head.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches (CGH)?
Cervicogenic headaches are classified as secondary headaches, which means they are caused by an underlying condition—specifically, issues in the upper cervical spine (the top three vertebrae in the neck). These headaches often present as moderate to severe one-sided pain, which can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
Common Symptoms of CGH Include:
Neck pain and stiffness, often worsened by movement
Reduced range of motion in the neck
Referred pain around the eyes, temples, ears, and back of the head
Headaches that feel like they originate in the neck
Nausea, irritability, and difficulty concentrating
The reason these headaches are felt in the head but originate from the neck lies in our anatomy. The upper cervical spine shares a nerve processing centre with the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from the face and jaw. As a result, pain signals from the neck can be misinterpreted by the brain as head pain.
What Causes Cervicogenic Headaches?
There are several factors and conditions that can trigger CGH, including:
Poor posture, especially with prolonged desk or screen time
Whiplash injuries or neck trauma
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
Sleeping in awkward positions or with insufficient support
How Can Physiotherapy Help Cervicogenic Headaches?
The good news is that physiotherapy is a proven and effective treatment for managing and preventing CGH. Treatment focuses on:
Improving joint mobility in the upper cervical spine
Reducing muscle tension and soft tissue tightness
Restoring proper posture and movement patterns
Decreasing headache frequency and severity
A typical physiotherapy session will include a detailed assessment, manual therapy, and a tailored exercise program. Techniques may involve:
Joint mobilisations
Soft tissue massage
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Dry needling
Postural and ergonomic education
Don’t Let Headaches Hold You Back
If you're suffering from persistent headaches that feel like they start in your neck, you may be experiencing cervicogenic headaches. Our expert physiotherapists at Moreton All Body Care can help diagnose and treat the root cause—so you can get lasting relief and get back to living pain-free.
📍 Visit us at our Burpengary or Narangba clinics
📞 Call us on (07) 3888 6699 (Burpengary) or (07) 3886 9470 (Narangba) or (07) 5429 0298
💻 Or book online any time through our online booking portal