Many people experience headaches that start in the back of the head or upper neck, often radiating over the skull or behind the eyes. Unlike migraines or tension-type headaches, these are usually provoked by neck movement, poor posture, or prolonged positions—making it clear that the neck itself is the primary driver. This is what we refer to as a cervicogenic headache.
The upper cervical spine is densely packed with sensitive joints, nerves, and muscles that share pathways with the nerves supplying the head and face. When this region becomes irritated—through strain, sustained postures, or even low-level inflammation—it can create referred pain that’s felt as a headache. But that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong or damaged in the structure itself.
Our job is first to rule out any sinister causes of headache (such as vascular or neurological issues), and once those are excluded, we can confidently treat what’s usually a problem of sensitivity, not structural failure. Most cases involve protective muscle tension, joint irritation, or sensitised neural pathways that keep firing even though there’s no ongoing injury.
Treatment typically involves hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness or muscular guarding in the upper cervical joints, followed by simple movement strategies that restore normal motion and reduce overactivity. Breathing patterns, sleep habits, and stress levels often need to be addressed as well, since they play a large role in keeping the system “on edge.”
Improvement is often noticeable within a few sessions, especially once the pattern is identified and patients begin to move with more confidence. Recovery timelines can vary, but most people experience a marked reduction in headache frequency and intensity within 2–6 weeks.
To prevent recurrence, we work on restoring balance through the neck and upper back, strengthening support muscles, and reducing habits that keep the neck in a braced or overloaded state. With the right guidance, cervicogenic headaches often become far less frequent—and far less worrying.