Cervicogenic Headache Care
Headaches Linked to Neck Tension
Headaches that begin around the neck or base of the skull, worsen with certain neck movements or sustained positions, or occur alongside neck stiffness may have a cervical component. We assess the neck and surrounding structures to understand whether they may be contributing to your headaches and build treatment around your findings.
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Could Your Neck Be Contributing to Your Headaches?
The upper cervical spine can refer pain into the head and may contribute to certain headache patterns. A detailed assessment can help determine whether your neck is playing a role and whether physiotherapy is appropriate.
Book AssessmentUnderstanding the Condition
How the Neck Can Contribute to Headaches
Cervicogenic Headache
Originating from the upper cervical joints (C1-C3), these headaches typically start at the base of the skull and radiate forward. They worsen with neck movement or sustained postures.
Tension-Type Headache with Cervical Component
Tight sub-occipital, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles refer pain over the skull, often triggered by stress, poor posture, or prolonged screen use.
Prolonged Positions & Screen Use
Long periods at a desk or screen can contribute to neck discomfort and stiffness in some people, particularly when movement is limited throughout the day. Regular movement and appropriate workspace adjustments may help reduce these symptoms.
Upper Cervical Joint Sensitivity
Reduced mobility or sensitivity in the upper cervical joints may contribute to certain cervicogenic headache patterns, particularly when symptoms are reproduced by neck movement or sustained positions.
Trigger Points in Suboccipital Muscles
The four small muscles at the base of the skull commonly develop active trigger points that refer pain directly into the head and behind the eyes.
Myofascial Restriction
Fascial tightness from the shoulders and thoracic spine can feed tension up into the neck and head, particularly in those with desk-based roles.
How we treat it
The KINETIKA Approach
We assess your headache history, neck mobility, joint and muscle sensitivity, and symptom behaviour to determine whether the cervical spine may be contributing to your headaches.
Targeted manual therapy to the upper cervical spine to restore joint mobility, reduce referral patterns, and break the pain cycle.
Hands-on treatment of the suboccipital muscles, upper traps, and levator scapulae to reduce muscular contribution to headache frequency and intensity.
Deep neck flexor strengthening and thoracic mobility work to address the postural drivers, so headaches stay away long term.
Take the next step
Book Your Initial Assessment
Frequent headaches that no one has been able to explain may have a cervical origin. We assess the neck thoroughly and build a treatment plan that addresses the actual source.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Medically reviewed by the Kinetika Clinical Team · Last reviewed 23 September 2026