Medicines for Cervicogenic headache

What it is

A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from a problem in the neck (the cervical spine) — its structures such as the joints, discs, muscles or nerves — but is felt as pain in the head. This is possible because the nerves of the upper neck and the head are closely connected, so pain from the neck can be "referred" to the head. Typically, cervicogenic headache is felt on one side, often starting at the back of the head or neck and spreading towards the front (sometimes to behind the eye or the temple), and is frequently associated with neck stiffness, reduced neck movement, and pain that is brought on or worsened by certain neck positions or movements, or by pressure on the neck. It can result from neck problems such as wear-and-tear changes, poor posture (for example prolonged desk or screen work), or previous neck injury (such as whiplash). It can be mistaken for other headaches like migraine or tension headache. Recognising that the neck is the source is important, because treating the neck often relieves the headache.

How it is treated

Management focuses on the neck as the source, and is usually conservative and effective. Physiotherapy is often central — including exercises to improve neck strength, posture and movement, and manual therapy techniques — guided by a physiotherapist. Addressing contributing factors helps, particularly posture and ergonomics (for example improving desk, screen and seating set-up, taking breaks from sustained postures), and simple measures such as heat and pain relief can ease symptoms. Where these measures are not enough, other treatments targeting the neck structures or nerves involved (such as specific injections) may be considered under specialist guidance, and any underlying neck condition is managed. Because cervicogenic headache can resemble other headache types, and because treatment differs, correct identification helps — and a doctor will also be alert to any features that would need separate assessment. Most people improve with attention to the neck. The reassuring message is that cervicogenic headache arises from the neck and usually responds well to physiotherapy, posture and ergonomic changes, and treating the underlying neck problem.