Effective Cervicogenic Headache Treatment & Management in Melbourne | Expert Physiotherapists at Keilor Road Physiotherapy
▫️Written by John Keller
✅ Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Hynes on March 26th, 2025
What is cervicogenic headache?
Cervicogenic headaches, as the name suggests, are headaches that originate from issues in the neck (cervical spine). Despite its straightforward definition, diagnosing cervicogenic headaches can be complex due to their overlapping symptoms with other headache types like migraines and tension headaches.
Although the link between neck pain and headaches has been known since ancient times, it wasn't until 1983 that the cervicogenic headache was formally recognized as a distinct type of headache caused by neck-related issues. The challenge lies in distinguishing it from migraines and tension headaches since:
Symptoms of cervicogenic headaches, such as severe pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and dizziness, closely mimic those of migraines.
Many individuals with migraines or tension headaches report neck pain, either before, during, or after their headache episodes.
Manual examination of the upper cervical spine often triggers familiar pain in both migraine and tension headache sufferers, yet this connection is often overlooked by specialists not trained in spinal assessment.
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we specialise in cervicogenic headache treatment in Melbourne, focusing on the neck as the primary source of your pain to provide headache relief.
Do I have a cervicogenic headache?
Diagnosing cervicogenic headaches requires careful examination and understanding of specific criteria. The Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group (CHISG) and the International Headache Society (IHS) outline the following diagnostic features:
Headaches are usually one-sided (unilateral) and consistent on that side.
The pain is often accompanied by neck, shoulder, or arm discomfort on the same side.
Headaches typically start with neck pain that radiates to the head and worsens with neck movement or poor posture.
Clinical evidence of cervical spine disorders through imaging or physical examination.
Symptoms of cervicogenic headache differ from migraine and tension type headaches. Our team at Keilor Road Physiotherapy uses these criteria to identify cervicogenic headaches, ensuring that your treatment targets the root cause of your pain.
What causes cervicogenic headache?
Cervicogenic headaches stem from problems within the structures of the neck. Neck pain causing headaches can come from the nerves, joints, muscles, and/or the ligaments of the cervical spine. The trigeminal nerves, which provide sensory feedback from the head and face, converge with the upper cervical nerves in the brainstem. This convergence can cause neck pain to be misinterpreted as head pain, leading to cervicogenic headaches.
The following neck structures are commonly involved:
Nerve roots and ganglia
Intervertebral discs
Facet joints
Muscles and ligaments
Blood vessels
Issues with any of these structures can trigger cervicogenic headaches, making a thorough evaluation essential for effective treatment of headache caused by neck pain.
Cervicogenic headache vs. Tension headache vs. Migraine
Distinguishing cervicogenic headaches from other types of headaches, such as migraines and tension headaches, can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Here's how they differ:
Cervicogenic Headache: Originates from neck issues, such as poor posture, neck injuries, or degeneration of spinal joints. The pain is typically felt at the back of the head or radiates from one side of the neck to the head. It may be triggered by neck movements or sustained poor posture.
Tension Headache: The most common type of headache, often caused by stress, muscle tension, or fatigue. The pain is usually mild to moderate, feels like a tight band around the head, and affects both sides. Unlike cervicogenic headaches, the pain is not typically localized to the neck or worsened by neck movements.
Migraine: A neurological condition that causes intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraines are usually accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and other sensory disturbances. They can last from a few hours to a couple of days and may be triggered by various factors, such as hormonal changes, food, or stress.
However, the key to headache diagnosis lies in examining the upper cervical spine. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we assess whether palpation of specific neck structures can reproduce your familiar headache pain. If this is the case, targeted treatment of these structures can lead to significant and lasting relief. It's also important to rule out other serious conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as dissecting aneurysms, posterior fossa lesions, and meningitis of the upper cervical spine. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial in these cases.
Best cervicogenic headache treatment.
Best treatment for cervicogenic headache
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we offer specialised treatment for cervicogenic headaches. Melbourne physiotherapy for cervicogenic headaches focus on three main approaches:
Targeted treatment: After a comprehensive physiotherapy headache assessment, we prioritise addressing the most sensitive structures in the upper neck, which often contribute to cervicogenic headaches. Our targeted approach using the Watson Headache Technique is designed to provide immediate relief.
Comprehensive care: For those with recurrent headaches, we go beyond short-term relief. Our physiotherapists work to identify and correct the underlying causes of your pain, preventing future episodes.
Personalised plans: We create individualised treatment plans that may include manual therapy, exercises to strengthen and stretch affected muscles, and strategies to improve posture and neck mobility.
Why choose Keilor Road Physiotherapy for headache relief?
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we understand the debilitating impact of cervicogenic headaches on your daily life. Our expert team offers tailored treatment for cervicogenic headaches designed to address the underlying causes of your pain. Our expert physiotherapists begin with a thorough strength and posture assessment for effective treatment, identifying any muscle imbalances, poor posture, or neck dysfunction contributing to your headaches. Using this detailed assessment, we create a personalised treatment plan that includes manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications to relieve pain and prevent future episodes. With our evidence-based approach and state-of-the-art facilities, we help you find lasting relief from cervicogenic headaches and improve your overall neck health.
Don't let cervicogenic headaches control your life. Book an appointment with Keilor Road Physiotherapy today for expert care and lasting relief.
Frequently asked questions - Cervicogenic headache treatment
1. What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache that originates from the neck. It is typically caused by issues such as muscle tension, neck injuries, or degeneration of the cervical spine, and it often radiates pain to the head, particularly around the base of the skull.
2. How can physiotherapy help with cervicogenic headaches?
Physiotherapy offers a range of treatments that address the root causes of cervicogenic headaches, including manual therapy, posture correction, strengthening exercises, and ergonomic adjustments. Physiotherapists focus on improving neck mobility and reducing muscle tension, which can help alleviate pain and prevent future headaches.
3. What are the common symptoms of cervicogenic headaches?
Common symptoms include a dull, aching pain at the base of the skull or one side of the head, which may worsen with neck movement. It can also cause stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and in some cases, nausea or dizziness.
4. How do I know if my headache is cervicogenic or something else?
Cervicogenic headaches are typically linked to neck pain or stiffness, and the pain is usually aggravated by specific neck movements. A professional assessment by a physiotherapist can help differentiate cervicogenic headaches from other types, such as migraines or tension headaches.
5. How long does treatment for cervicogenic headaches take?
The duration of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to therapy. Many people experience relief within a few sessions, but a full treatment plan may take several weeks to address all underlying causes and prevent recurrence.
6. Is cervicogenic headache treatment covered by health insurance?
Yes, physiotherapy treatment for cervicogenic headaches is often covered by most private health insurance providers. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer for specific details regarding coverage.
7. Can cervicogenic headaches be prevented?
Yes, with the right treatment plan, including posture correction, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications, cervicogenic headaches can be managed and prevented. Physiotherapy plays a key role in developing a prevention strategy tailored to your specific needs.
8. Do you offer a consultation for cervicogenic headaches?
Yes, at Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we offer consultations to assess your condition, understand the causes of your headaches, and develop a tailored treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule your assessment and begin your journey toward relief.
9. How can I improve my posture to prevent cervicogenic headaches?
Maintaining good posture, particularly when sitting for extended periods or working at a desk, can help reduce the strain on your neck. A physiotherapist can provide personalized guidance on posture improvement techniques and exercises to prevent cervicogenic headaches.
10. Can I still exercise if I have cervicogenic headaches?
Exercise can be an effective part of your treatment plan, particularly exercises aimed at strengthening the neck and improving posture. However, it's important to follow the guidance of a physiotherapist to ensure you're doing the right exercises and not exacerbating your condition.
Article by
John Keller
Clinical Director | Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
John graduated as a Physiotherapist from the Auckland University of Technology with the John Morris memorial prize for outstanding clinical practise in 2003. John has since completed Post Graduate Diplomas in both Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with distinction, also collecting the Searle Shield for excellence in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Reviewed by
Dr. Jenny Hynes FACP
Clinical Director | Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Jenny sat extensive examinations to be inducted as a fellow into the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2009 and gain the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, one of only a few physiotherapists in the state to have done so.