What Is a Cervical Headache and How Does Chiropractic Help?

Headaches come in many forms, but one type that often goes overlooked is the cervical headache, also known as a cervicogenic headache. Unlike migraines or tension headaches, a cervical headache originates from issues in the neck.

This type of headache often develops when the joints, muscles, or nerves in the cervical spine (neck region) become irritated or compressed. Common causes include poor posture, neck injuries, whiplash, or long hours spent looking down at a phone or computer screen. The pain typically starts in the neck and radiates to the back of the head, temples, or even behind the eyes.

Cervical headaches can be persistent, often worsening with certain neck movements or sustained postures. Because the underlying cause is in the neck, simply taking pain medication only masks the symptoms without addressing the source.

Chiropractic offers an effective, drug-free solution by targeting the root cause of cervical headaches. Through gentle spinal adjustments, chiropractic helps restore proper alignment and movement in the neck. This reduces irritation to the nerves and muscles, decreasing pain and improving mobility.

In addition to adjustments, chiropractic may incorporate stretches, posture education, and ergonomic recommendations to prevent headaches from recurring. By improving spinal alignment and muscle balance, chiropractic reduces strain on the neck and promotes long-term relief.

If you’ve been living with recurring headaches that start in your neck, a cervical headache may be to blame. Chiropractic offers a safe, effective way to not only manage the pain but also address the underlying dysfunction so you can get back to living headache-free.