Spinal pathologies

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headache is a type of headache originating in the structures of the cervical spine, especially in the upper cervical joints, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the upper cervical region.

Unlike other types of primary headache, the pain originates from an underlying cervical disorder and is usually accompanied by neck pain, cervical stiffness, and limited mobility.

Cervicogenic headache can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life and is frequently confused with migraine, tension headache, or other craniofacial disorders, therefore requiring specialized assessment to establish an accurate diagnosis.

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What are the most frequent causes?

Cervicogenic headache can be related to multiple alterations of the cervical spine, including:

Upper cervical osteoarthritis
Cervical facet syndrome
Cervical degenerative disc disease
Cervical muscle contracture
Cervical biomechanical alterations
Occipital neuralgia
Cervical trauma or whiplash
Irritation of upper cervical nerves

The upper cervical structures share neurological connections with the cranial sensory nuclei, which explains the radiation of pain towards the head and facial region.

What are the most common symptoms?

Cervicogenic headache usually manifests through:

Headache associated with neck pain
Occipital pain or pain at the base of the skull
Frequent unilateral pain
Radiation towards the frontal, temporal or retro-ocular region
Cervical stiffness
Limited neck mobility
Pain that worsens with certain neck movements
Associated cervical muscle contracture

In many patients, the pain can become chronic and coexist with other types of headaches.
major neurological issues requiring urgent evaluation.

Specialized diagnosis

The diagnosis requires a detailed clinical evaluation aimed at identifying the cervical origin of the pain.

Diagnostic injections of cervical facet joints or occipital nerves can be especially useful in confirming the cervicogenic origin of the pain.

Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache

Treatment should be individualized according to the structures responsible for the pain and the patient’s clinical evolution.

At VERTEBRA SpinePain & Regenerative SURGERY CENTERS we perform a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to cervicogenic headache using advanced cervical treatment techniques and pain interventions consolidated over more than four decades of experience.

Among the available therapeutic options, the following stand out:

Specialized pharmacological treatment
Physiotherapy and functional cervical rehabilitation
Postural re-education
Selective facet blocks
Radiofrequency ablation of the cervical spine
Treatment of occipital neuralgia
Advanced neuromodulation techniques
Muscular and myofascial treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve cervical mobility, and restore the patient’s functionality and quality of life.

At VERTEBRA SpinePain & Regenerative SURGERY CENTERS we have advanced experience in the diagnosis and interventional treatment specializing in headaches, neck pain and craniofacial pain, offering advanced and personalized treatments.