Cervicogenic Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Expert Treatment

A cervicogenic headaches is a secondary headache — meaning it originates from an issue in the neck (cervical spine) rather than the head itself. The pain radiates upward from the neck to the back, side, or front of the head, often mimicking the symptoms of a migraine.

At Modal Pain, our experts specialize in identifying the root cause of cervicogenic pain and creating personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that relieve discomfort and restore function.

What Do Cervicogenic Headaches Feel Like?

Cervicogenic headaches typically cause dull, aching, or pressure-like pain that begins in the neck and spreads toward one side of the head. Some patients describe the pain as steady and deep, unlike the pulsating sensation of a migraine.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain starting at the base of the skull and radiating to the temples or behind the eyes
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the neck
• Pain that worsens with certain neck movements or posture
• Shoulder or upper back tension accompanying the headache
• Sensitivity to light or sound (less common than with migraines)

At Modal Pain, our diagnostic process involves advanced imaging, physical assessment, and targeted nerve testing to determine whether your pain truly stems from the cervical spine.

What Is the Root Cause of Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches arise when pain signals from the neck are misinterpreted by the brain as coming from the head. This occurs due to irritation or dysfunction in the upper cervical spine joints, muscles, or nerves.

Common underlying causes include:

• Cervical spine arthritis or degeneration
  
• Whiplash or neck trauma
  
• Herniated or bulging cervical discs
  
• Poor posture and “tech neck” from prolonged device use
• Muscle tension or imbalance
  
• Facet joint dysfunction (irritation of the small joints connecting the vertebrae)

Our specialists at Modal Pain focus on identifying these structural issues to address the true source — not just the symptoms — of your headache.

How Do You Treat a Cervicogenic Headache?

At Modal Pain, we take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating cervicogenic headaches. Our goal is to relieve your pain while improving spinal function and posture for long-term prevention.

Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive Treatments

1. Physical Therapy and Postural Correction
   Targeted exercises strengthen neck and upper back muscles, improving alignment and reducing stress on cervical structures.
   
   
2. Medial Branch Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation
   These image-guided injections temporarily block pain signals from the small joints in your neck. If successful, radiofrequency ablation can provide relief lasting 6–12 months or more.
   
   
3. Trigger Point and Myofascial Injections
   For muscle-related pain, these treatments help release tension, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation.
   
   
4. IV Therapy and Wellness Programs
   Customized infusions — like NeuroVital Blue IV — can enhance neurological function and reduce inflammation, complementing other therapies for optimal results.

Each treatment plan at Modal Pain is individually tailored based on diagnostic findings, severity, and lifestyle factors to ensure maximum recovery and minimal downtime.

What Is the Difference Between a Migraine and Cervical Pain?

While migraines and cervicogenic headaches can share similar symptoms, the causes — and therefore the treatments — are very different.

If you’re unsure whether your pain is cervical or neurological, our team can perform diagnostic blocks and imaging studies to pinpoint the exact source — ensuring you receive the most effective care.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience persistent headaches that:

• Begin in your neck and spread to one side of your head
• Worsen with movement or posture changes
• Come with stiffness, shoulder pain, or dizziness

…it’s time to seek expert evaluation. Ignoring cervical headaches can allow the underlying issue — such as arthritis or disc degeneration — to progress, leading to chronic pain or nerve irritation.

At Modal Pain, we specialize in accurate diagnosis and advanced interventional therapies to help you recover safely and comfortably.

Key Takeaways

• Cervicogenic headaches are caused by structural issues in the neck, not the brain.
• Pain is typically one-sided, starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward.
• Minimally invasive procedures like medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation can provide significant relief.

Modal Pain’s expert team, led by Dr. Alex Movshis, MD, delivers personalized, holistic care for long-term spinal health and pain management.

Find Relief from Cervicogenic Headaches at Modal Pain

If chronic neck-related headaches are limiting your daily life, it’s time to take control of your health.

📞 Call or text us at +1 (646) 290-6660
📧 Email info@modalpain.com
💻 Schedule your consultation today.

At Modal Pain, we combine precision diagnostics, advanced procedures, and compassionate care to help you move freely, think clearly, and live pain-free again.