Head pain that is referred from the bony structures or soft tissues of the neck is commonly called cervicogenic headache. Approximately 47% of the global population suffers from a headache, and 15-20 percent of those headaches are cervicogenic. Females seem more predisposed to cervicogenic headaches affecting four times as many women as men.

Patients with cervicogenic headache will often have altered neck posture or restricted neck range of motion. The head pain may be triggered or reproduced by neck movement. Muscular trigger points are usually found in the suboccipital (back of the head), neck, and shoulder musculature, and these trigger points can also refer pain to the head when pressed.

Cervicogenic headaches are unilateral (on one side of the head), starting from one side of the back of the head and neck, migrating to the front, and sometimes are associated with arm discomfort.

Patients will often describe an onset of headache if sitting at the desk for long periods, whilst driving, or if stressed or tense.

The successful treatment of cervicogenic headache usually requires a multifaceted approach using medication, manipulation (such as osteopathy or massage), exercise and changes to lifestyle.

As with any disorder it is important to first identify any “red flags” associated with headaches that may be a symptom of a serious condition.

Red flag symptoms requiring further medical evaluation include: