Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originates from issues in the neck. While the pain is felt in the head, its source is in the neck. Certain movements or prolonged positions can result in strain or compression affecting the neck’s joints, muscles, ligaments, discs, and/or nerves. Consequently, this can manifest as a headache in the head.

The reason behind upper neck dysfunction leading to headaches is due to the connection between the upper neck spinal nerves and the trigeminal nerve, which governs sensation in areas such as the head, forehead, jawline, back of the eyes, and ears. The communication between these nerves leads to cervicogenic headaches.

Cervicogenic headaches can be triggered by any activity or circumstance that places excessive stress or strain on the upper neck. This could occur due to a single traumatic incident, such as whiplash or blunt trauma, or gradually accumulate over time as a result of maintaining poor postures, like hunching over a computer.