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Article published by:
Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor) BChiroSc, MChiro – Sydney Spinal Care
Meet Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor)
Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor), a registered chiropractor here at Sydney Spinal Care.
If you’re struggling with a constant ache that starts in your neck and moves into your head, you may be experiencing a cervicogenic headache. These headaches are more common than you might think and can have a real impact on your ability to function comfortably at work, home or during leisure activities.
As a chiropractor, I often support patients who experience this type of headache. It’s pain that isn’t caused by an issue in your head itself, but from the cervical spine in your neck. Let’s talk about what causes cervicogenic headaches, how they can affect your daily life, and how chiropractic care may help.
Key Benefits:
Restore neck function
Reduce headache frequency & intensity
Personalised, drug-free approach
If cervicogenic headaches are holding you back, let’s work together to get to the source and help you feel better. Naturally.
Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and refer pain into the head, often mimicking migraine or tension headaches.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is classified as a secondary headache. This means it originates from a physical issue in the neck. Often due to joint stiffness, muscle tightness or nerve irritation in the upper cervical spine.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward
- Headache on one side of the head or face
- Reduced neck mobility or stiffness
- Pain triggered by certain neck positions or movements
- Pain that is often steady and non-throbbing
Causes of Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches often result from dysfunction in the cervical spine, especially the top three vertebrae. Common triggers may include:
- Poor posture, particularly forward head posture from computer use
- Previous neck injuries (e.g. whiplash)
- Degeneration or wear-and-tear of cervical joints
- Muscle imbalances or tightness in the upper back and shoulders
Many patients describe this as a headache from the neck, not just felt in the head but clearly linked to neck discomfort or movement.
How This Condition Can Affect Your Life
A cervicogenic headache can impact everything from your concentration and productivity to your sleep and physical comfort. Many people experience fatigue, irritability and difficulty maintaining daily routines due to persistent neck pain and headache symptoms.
If left unaddressed, it may also lead to compensatory changes in movement, contributing to further tension in the shoulders or upper back.
Chiropractic Care for Cervicogenic Headaches
Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including those affecting the cervical spine. If your headache is stemming from the neck, targeted chiropractic care may help restore function and reduce discomfort.
Your care may include:
- Manual adjustments to improve spinal mobility
- Soft tissue therapy to address muscular tension
- Postural and ergonomic advice (especially for desk-based workers)
- Rehabilitation exercises to support long-term recovery
- Lifestyle guidance for reducing strain and preventing recurrence
The goal is not only to reduce headache intensity and frequency, but to restore normal neck function so you can get back to living and moving freely.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your initial chiropractic visit, I will:
- Take a thorough medical history and ask detailed questions about your symptoms.
- Conduct an orthopaedic and neurological examination focused on your neck and upper back.
- Assess posture, spinal motion, and muscle function to pinpoint possible triggers.
- Provide a working diagnosis and discuss your options for cervicogenic headache treatment.
- If appropriate, begin a tailored treatment plan.
In some cases, imaging (like X-rays or MRI) may be recommended, or I may collaborate with your GP or another practitioner to ensure safe and effective care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a chiropractor treat cervicogenic headaches?
Yes. Chiropractic care may assist by improving neck function, reducing nerve irritation, and relieving muscular tension. All of these symptoms are commonly associated with cervicogenic headaches.
How can I tell if my headache is coming from my neck?
If your headache is consistently one-sided, starts in the neck, and is aggravated by neck movement, it may be cervicogenic. A proper diagnosis by a healthcare provider is essential.
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes. Problems in the neck, such as joint stiffness, muscle tension, or nerve irritation, can cause pain that radiates into the head. This type of pain is called a cervicogenic headache and typically starts at the base of the skull.
Which cervical vertebrae are involved in cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches often involve the top three cervical vertebrae: C1, C2, and C3. These vertebrae are located at the base of the skull and can affect nerves that refer pain into the head.
Can tight neck muscles cause headaches?
Yes. Tight neck muscles, especially the suboccipital muscles, can trigger cervicogenic headaches by putting pressure on nearby nerves or limiting blood flow, causing pain to radiate into the head.
What are facet joints and how do they relate to cervicogenic headaches?
Facet joints are small joints between the vertebrae that allow neck movement. If they become stiff or irritated, they can refer pain to the head and contribute to cervicogenic headaches.
What is referred pain from the neck?
Referred pain is when pain is felt in a different area than its source. In cervicogenic headaches, nerve pathways from the upper neck and head overlap, so neck problems can cause pain in the head.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment frequency varies depending on the severity and duration of your condition. Some patients find relief within a few visits, while others benefit from a structured care plan.
Will I need a referral?
You can see a chiropractor without a referral in Australia. However, your GP may refer you for up to 5 subsidised visits if you qualify for a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan.
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