Conditions

Understanding Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache that originates from problems in the neck (cervical spine) but is experienced as pain in the head, face, or behind the eyes. It is caused by irritation or dysfunction of nerves, joints, or muscles in the upper cervical region.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Steady, non-throbbing pain starting in the neck and radiating to one side of the head or face
  • Headache triggered or worsened by neck movement or sustained posture
  • Stiffness or restricted neck movement
  • Tenderness in the upper neck or base of the skull

Common causes include arthritis or wear and tear of the upper cervical joints, muscle tension, whiplash injury, or poor posture. Cervicogenic headache is often mistaken for migraine or tension headache, but unlike these, it stems from mechanical dysfunction in the neck — meaning that expert assessment and targeted treatment can provide significant relief.

Wessex Pain Clinic

How We Diagnose

At Wessex Pain Clinic, diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical history and physical examination. Our consultants assess posture, neck movement, and areas of tenderness, using specific tests to reproduce the pain pattern characteristic of cervicogenic headache.

MRI or CT imaging may be recommended to exclude other causes.

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Lifestyle and Complementary Therapies

Our physiotherapy and rehabilitation partners play a key role in managing cervicogenic headache. Treatment focuses on posture correction, neck mobility, and strengthening deep stabilising muscles. Hydrotherapy provides a gentle way to ease stiffness and support movement.

We also work with pain psychology partners to address the impact of chronic pain, fatigue, and stress. Relaxation, pacing, and mindfulness techniques form part of a holistic rehabilitation programme, helping patients regain control and confidence.

At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.

Medications

We may prescribe:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to reduce joint and soft tissue irritation
  • Neuropathic pain agents (gabapentin, pregabalin, or amitriptyline) when nerve irritation is present
  • Short courses of stronger analgesics for acute flare-ups, under consultant supervision

Medication plans are regularly reviewed for effectiveness and tolerability.

Interventional Procedures

When symptoms persist, we offer targeted image-guided injections to relieve pain and inflammation:

  • Cervical facet joint injections or medial branch blocks for joint-related pain
  • Occipital nerve blocks if pain radiates toward the back of the head or eyes
  • Radiofrequency denervation (rhizolysis) to provide longer-lasting relief by deactivating small pain-transmitting nerves

Our consultants also collaborate with spinal surgeons or neurologists if imaging reveals structural problems requiring surgical input.

Our care for cervicogenic headache is multidisciplinary and individualised, combining pain relief, movement rehabilitation, and long-term management strategies.

Treatment at Wessex Pain Clinic

Treatments