What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache originating from dysfunction of the upper cervical spine (especially C1 and C2).
The pain starts in the neck and radiates to the head due to a neural convergence mechanism.

🔍 Why Does the Neck Cause Headache?

✔ 1. Trigemino-Cervical Convergence

Pain signals from C1–C2 enter the trigeminocervical nucleus, where cervical and trigeminal afferents overlap.
This explains why neck-originating pain spreads to the forehead, eyes, temples, or occiput.

✔ 2. Myofascial Tightness Irritating Occipital Nerves

Tight suboccipital muscles, SCM, and upper trapezius
→ compress the occipital nerves
→ occipital neuralgia–type headache

✔ 3. Forward Head Posture

Prolonged smartphone or computer use
→ upper cervical rotation/misalignment
→ chronic muscle tension & nerve irritation → headache

🧠 Typical Symptoms

  • Unilateral headache starting from the occiput

  • Worse with neck rotation or sustained posture

  • Neck stiffness, dizziness, eye strain, tinnitus

  • Tenderness over C1/C2, SCM, suboccipital region

  • Sometimes shoulder/upper back tightness

🧪 Diagnosis

  • Prone leg check → C1 or C2 dominance

  • Head rotation test

  • CBCT to assess C1–C2 rotational asymmetry

  • Palpation to identify fascial and neural tension

  • Restricted rotation or side-bending of the cervical spine

💡 Treatment (Your Clinic’s Strength)

1) Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustment

  • Side posture for C1 dominant cases

  • Prone approach for C2 dominant cases

  • Gentle yet precise correction → rapid improvement in many patients

2) Myofascial Therapy & IMS

Relieves tension in suboccipital muscles, SCM, trapezius
→ restores fascial mobility & reduces nerve irritation

3) Injection Therapy

Reduces inflammation and improves mobility around C1/C2 and occipital nerves.

4) Posture Correction & Breathing Pattern Training

Reduces biomechanical stress on the upper cervical segment.

📚 Evidence

  • Multiple studies show that C1–C3 dysfunction and suboccipital muscle tightness contribute directly to cervicogenic headache.

  • Manual therapy, myofascial release, and upper cervical adjustments have demonstrated significant clinical improvement.

  • The trigeminocervical nucleus convergence mechanism is widely accepted as the primary pathophysiology.

✨ Closing

Cervicogenic headache is not a simple tension headache—it is a neck-derived head pain requiring precise upper cervical evaluation and treatment.
Your integrative approach combining upper cervical adjustment, myofascial therapy, and injection therapy provides one of the most effective clinical solutions.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

 What is Central Sensitization? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Central sensitization refers to a condition where the brain and spinal cord become abnormally sensitive to pain signals following an injury or inflammation. In simpler terms, the pathways that perceive pain become overly reactive, causing individuals to experience excessive pain from minor stimuli or persistent pain even after healing . Key Features of Central Sensitization Amplified pain responses (Allodynia) Pain is felt even with non-painful stimuli, such as light touch or gentle movement. Increased pain sensitivity (Hyperalgesia) Painful stimuli feel much more intense than usual. Persistent pain Pain can continue even after the original injury or inflammation has resolved. How Central Sensitization Develops Peripheral nerve injury or inflammation → Continuous transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain → Hyperexcitab...
자세한 내용 보기
[Case Study] Improvement of Hyperacusis, Facial and Ear Pain, and Dizziness in a Woman in Her 60s through Upper Cervical, TMJ, and Myofascial Integration Care by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A woman in her early 60s presented to our clinic with the following symptoms: Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) Persistent facial pain and inner ear discomfort Dizziness triggered by neck and shoulder muscle tension Tightness and pressure in the temporomandibular (TMJ) region Despite prior evaluation by ENT and neurology specialists, no structural abnormalities were found on imaging studies. Medication had limited effect. Given the complexity of her symptoms, we performed a functional assessment of the upper cervical spine, TMJ region, and cervical myofascial chains, and applied a multi-modal, non-invasive approach. Treatment Overview Upper Cervical Manual Integration (C0–C2) Assessment tools: posture analysis, prone leg check, head rotation test...
자세한 내용 보기
Why Is My Knee Swollen, and Why Does It Take So Long to Heal? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul – Understanding Knee Swelling and Recovery Strategies Many people have experienced knee swelling and discomfort at some point. At first glance, it may seem like a minor issue, but in reality, it often takes longer than expected to heal. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of knee swelling , why recovery tends to take time , and what treatment options may help . 1. What Causes Knee Swelling? Knee swelling is not a diagnosis itself—it’s a symptom with a variety of possible causes. Here are some of the most common: ✅ ① Trauma or Overuse Injuries from sports or prolonged walking can lead to inflammation in the knee joint, resulting in swelling. ✅ ② Meniscus or Ligament Injury Damage to structures like the meniscus or cruciate ligaments may cause internal bleeding or increased joint fluid, leading to visible swelling. ✅ ③...
자세한 내용 보기