Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from dysfunction in the upper neck rather than the head itself. At We Care in Hayden, ID, they are treated by addressing the cervical joints and muscles with manual therapy, dry needling, and decompression — relieving the neck source that refers pain into the head.
What is cervicogenic headaches?
A cervicogenic headache is referred pain felt in the head but generated by the joints, discs, or muscles of the upper cervical spine. It is frequently mistaken for migraine or tension headache.
Symptoms we commonly see
- Headache that starts at the base of the skull or neck
- Pain on one side that spreads toward the forehead or eye
- Reduced neck movement or stiffness
- Headache triggered by sustained neck postures
- Tenderness in the upper neck muscles
Common causes
- Upper cervical joint dysfunction
- Forward-head and sustained desk posture
- Prior neck injury or whiplash
- Muscle tension in the suboccipital region
How We Care treats cervicogenic headaches
Because the source is the neck, treatment targets the upper cervical region. A careful assessment confirms the cervical origin, then manual and clinical techniques reduce the joint and muscle dysfunction driving the headache.
Cervical assessment
Confirms whether your headaches are originating from the upper neck.
Manual therapy
Targeted mobilization of the upper cervical joints to reduce referral.
Dry needling
Releases suboccipital and upper-neck muscle tension.
Alpha-Stim & decompression
Microcurrent and gentle decompression to calm pain signaling when indicated.
What to expect
When headaches are truly cervicogenic, many patients see a reduction in frequency and intensity within a few weeks as upper-neck function improves.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my headaches come from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches usually start at the base of the skull, are often one-sided, and are triggered or worsened by neck positions. An assessment can confirm whether the neck is the source.
Is this the same as a migraine?
No. Migraine is a neurological condition, while a cervicogenic headache is referred pain from the neck. They can feel similar, which is why assessment matters before treatment.
Related care at We Care
Physical Medicine Evaluation
A 60-minute assessment of your movement, alignment, and mechanics to map a care plan for your condition.
Idaho is a direct-access state — no physician referral needed to begin physical therapy. Benefits verified before your first visit.
One assessment. One coordinated plan.
It starts with one whole-body FutureGuard Evaluation to find the root cause — then a coordinated plan across physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, fitness, and recovery.
No referral needed in Idaho · Free benefits check · Partially covered by insurance, Medicare & VA
Schedule My FutureGuard Evaluation