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Cervicogenic Headache: Neck Pain Causing Your Headache?
Cervicogenic Headache: Neck Pain Causing Your Headache?
Headaches can be frustrating, debilitating, and confusing — especially when the cause isn’t immediately clear. For many people, the source of their head pain isn’t in their head at all — it’s in their neck.
At Family Life Chiropractic in Newcastle, we frequently see individuals experiencing persistent headaches that are, in fact, cervicogenic headaches — a type of headache that originates from dysfunction in the neck joints. If you’ve been living with chronic headaches and haven’t found lasting relief, it’s worth asking: Could your neck be the real issue?
Could Your Headache Be Cervicogenic?
A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache, meaning it is caused by another issue — in this case, dysfunction in the cervical spine (the neck). This type of headache occurs when pain is referred from the upper neck to the head. Unlike tension headaches or migraines, cervicogenic headaches typically stem from mechanical problems in the upper cervical vertebrae, surrounding joints, muscles, or nerves.
In professional terms, these headaches are often linked to:
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Restricted movement in the upper neck joints
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Muscle tension or strain
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Inflammation or irritation of nerves exiting the cervical spine
Is This the Kind of Headache You're Feeling?
Cervicogenic headaches often present as:
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A dull, aching pain that begins in the neck and radiates to the back, side, or front of the head
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Pain that worsens with certain neck movements or sustained postures
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Reduced neck range of motion
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Tenderness in the upper neck or base of the skull
It’s not uncommon for patients to describe the pain as one-sided and persistent — sometimes mistaken for a migraine.
Why Neck Dysfunction Causes Headaches
In our Newcastle clinic, we often ask patients if they’ve considered whether their headaches are caused by neck pain. Many are surprised to learn that around 20% of all headaches are cervicogenic in origin, according to research.
The neck is a complex structure that supports the head and allows for a wide range of movement. However, it’s also vulnerable to strain and microtrauma. Everyday habits — not just dramatic injuries — can cause subtle damage over time.
Some common contributors include:
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Prolonged sitting (especially at a desk or in front of screens)
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Poor posture
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Sleeping on your stomach
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Slouching while using a phone or tablet
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Whiplash injuries from car accidents
Even if you haven’t had a major injury, it’s entirely possible that your upper neck joints aren’t functioning properly. Microtrauma builds gradually, creating tension, inflammation, and irritation that affects surrounding nerves. This irritation is what leads to the characteristic pain of a cervicogenic headache.
But I Haven’t Injured Myself — Why Is This Happening?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear.
It’s a misconception that a significant injury is required to damage the neck. The truth is, our spinal tissues — especially the soft tissues like ligaments and discs — have a natural “stretch” capacity. After just 20 minutes in one position, that stretch hits its limit. If the posture is poor, tissue damage can start to occur, even without pain at first — and in some cases, this can lead to a cervicogenic headache.
Think about your day:
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Wake up and sit for breakfast
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Sit in the car to commute
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Sit at your desk
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Come home and unwind on the couch
You’ve likely spent hours in a flexed, static position — unknowingly affecting your spine. Over time, this repetitive stress can trigger neck-related issues, including the development of a cervicogenic headache, where pain is referred from the neck into the head.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
As chiropractors, our primary goal is to restore normal function to the spine and nervous system. When the joints in your neck aren’t moving properly, they place excess stress on your body — and your nervous system often responds by creating pain or dysfunction elsewhere, including your head. This is often the case with a cervicogenic headache, which originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine.
Through careful assessment and gentle, targeted adjustments, we can:
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Improve joint movement in your neck
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Relieve tension and reduce inflammation
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Restore postural alignment
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Help your nervous system function more efficiently
By addressing the root cause of a cervicogenic headache, many people find relief from chronic cervicogenic headaches that medications or general treatments haven’t resolved. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting the mechanical issues in your neck that may be contributing to these persistent cervicogenic headaches.
You're Not Alone — And You're Not Stuck With the Pain
At Family Life Chiropractic, we understand how exhausting ongoing headaches can be. They affect your work, your focus, your sleep, and your relationships. It’s easy to feel like you’ve tried everything — but if cervicogenic headaches are the real issue, there is hope.
We’re here to listen, assess carefully, and offer an individualised approach that supports your body’s natural ability to heal. Whether you’ve had headaches for months or years, it’s never too late to take a step toward relief. For more detailed clinical information on cervicogenic headaches, including a clear description of red flags, you can refer to the official Queensland Ambulance Service Guidelines – Headache.
Book Online Today
If you’re experiencing headaches that could be connected to your neck, we invite you to book online with one of our experienced chiropractors. We’re here to answer your questions, provide expert care, and help you find the lasting relief you deserve.
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