Cervicogenic headache

A cervicogenic headache originates from neck problems, typically starting at the top of the neck and radiating into the head. It is a relatively rare cause of headache. Consider another diagnosis if there are associated symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

• Headache that is triggered by neck movement
• Pain with pressure is applied to the neck or base of the skull
• Neck movements are limited and worsen the headache
• Pain on one side of the neck, shoulder, or arm
• Episodes of varying durations

Patient self-management advice

• Maintain good sitting posture/avoid prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity/avoid becoming overly tired or exhausted
• If analgesia used only for a short time (risk of analgesia overuse headache)
• Keep well-hydrated throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly (avoid sleeping on the stomach).
• Schedule an eye check to ensure vision issues aren't contributing to the headaches.
• Self referral to physio if not settling with these measures

For very refractory symptoms despite physio treatment consider referral to pain clinic with a view to local steroid or local anaesthetic injections