What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• CGH (Cervicogenic Headache)
• CH (Cervicogenic Headache)

What is Cervicogenic Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) is a form of headache that has its origin in the neck region, typically the cervical spine or neck muscles and soft tissues. It is classified as a secondary headache disorder that arises from the neck bones and muscles
• It is important to note that migraine headaches can involve the neck region, presenting neck stiffness and pain that may also involve the upper back area. However, these are not termed Cervicogenic Headaches, since the origin of such migrainous pain is from the head or brain
• Cervicogenic Headaches are usually characterized by longstanding pain in one side of the head (chronic hemicranial pain) that usually starts from the neck or base of the skull. Apart from this, the individual may also have stiff neck, restricted head and neck movement, and headaches with movement of the neck or from a particular sitting/standing posture
• The cause of Cervicogenic Headache includes a variety of conditions/disorders such as osteoarthritis, cervical fracture, cervical spondylosis, any neuromuscular disorders of the neck, infections and tumors affecting the cervical/neck region, and any age-related disorders affecting the cervical spine (wear and tear)
• The treatment of Cervicogenic Headache primarily focuses on addressing the underlying causative condition. With adequate treatment, the prognosis is usually good; however, this also depends on the nature and severity of the underlying cause of Cervicogenic Headache

Who gets Cervicogenic Headache? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Cervicogenic Headaches may be observed in both children and adults
• Older adults are at a higher risk for age-related degenerative ‘wear and tear’ disorders such as arthritis or spondylitis
• No male or female predominance is noted and both genders are affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Cervicogenic Headache? (Predisposing Factors)

Any injury, illness, or disease of the cervical neck region that involves the spinal cord, vertebrae, and/or neck muscles can increase one’s risk for Cervicogenic Headache. Such factors affecting the neck area may include:

• Neck fracture or injury from sports
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tumors and lesions
• Infections
• Age-related degenerative cervical/neck conditions
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Posture issues affecting the neck that come from certain occupations such as truck driving, construction work, or prolonged desk job
• Poor posture while walking, standing, sitting, or use of thick pillows
• Accidents (whiplash injury), falling down the stairs, etc.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Cervicogenic Headache? (Etiology)

Cervicogenic Headache is a form of secondary headache pain that is ‘referred’ from the cervical/neck region i.e., the pain may be stated as moving from the cervical region to the head. An involvement of the trigeminal nerve causing painful sensations is observed.

• It may be caused by several factors that result in an illness or injury to the neck bones, muscles, and nerves. It can also be due to old age causing degeneration of the vertebral bones and discs
• Cervicogenic Headache may also develop from poor posturing that may be due to the specific task one is employed at or, it may arise from involuntarily projecting one’s head and neck to stick out from the body at an angle (a condition called cervical protraction)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headache?

The common signs and symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches include:

• Headache that is observed on a constant basis; it may mimic migraine headaches
• The pain is steady and felt on one side of the face; the pain does not move from one area to another
• The area around eyes may also present a dull aching pain 
• Neck stiffness; in some cases, there may not be any neck pain
• Tenderness of the neck muscles
• The headache may vary in intensity from mild to moderate
• Certain position of the head and neck may increase the pain and discomfort
• Pain may also increase from neck movement or while sneezing or coughing
• Individuals may observe sensitivity to sound and light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Stomach upset
• Anxiety and mood swings
• In some individuals, the pain may involve the shoulder and upper arm too

Signs and symptoms of the underlying condition causing the headaches may also be noted.

How is Cervicogenic Headache Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Cervicogenic Headache may involve:

• Complete physical examination and assessment of signs and symptoms
• Thorough analysis of personal and family medical history
• Neurological examination by a qualified healthcare provider, if necessary
• Lab tests to rule out other causative conditions and infections
• X-ray of the neck region
• Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans (of the head and neck region), when necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Cervicogenic Headache?

The complications of Cervicogenic Headaches may include the following:

• Decreased range of head and neck motion
• Emotional and mental stress
• Poor performance at school or at work
• Risk for accidents while driving or operating machinery
• Complications that arise from the underlying condition
• Recurrence of the condition
• Inability to function in regular activities resulting in decreased quality of life
• Side effects of medications

How is Cervicogenic Headache Treated?

Diagnosing and managing the condition causing Cervicogenic Headache is the primary treatment provided. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment of the headache is undertaken. The treatment measures may involve:

• Use of pain medication, muscle relaxants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Use of neck braces for a certain period of time
• Physical therapy and exercises, as needed
• Nerve block procedure: A method of injecting a local anesthetic or anti-inflammatory injection to numb specific nerves
• Surgical procedures, if necessary, depending on the underlying causative condition
• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture techniques, yoga, and meditation

How can Cervicogenic Headache be Prevented?

The onset of Cervicogenic Headache is from conditions affecting the neck or cervical spine region. Hence, avoiding factors causing the condition, or taking early treatment for the same, may help prevent Cervicogenic Headaches, in some cases.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and optimum body weight is important. This includes ‘no smoking’ (or consumption of any tobacco-based products), keeping blood pressure under check, staying physically fit, controlling cholesterol levels, reducing stress, etc.
• Be careful while driving (always wear a seat belt), while performing any physical tasks/job-related activities, or while exercising with weights; factors that put you at risk for a potential traumatic head/neck injury
• Address any age-related degenerative conditions promptly
• Correct poor posture and avoid any neck strain that occurs from prolonged work or ‘wrong’ body posture

Following its onset, regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended.

What is the Prognosis of Cervicogenic Headache? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The overall prognosis of Cervicogenic Headaches is based on the underlying condition/injury causing the same. It may significantly vary from one individual to another.

• With appropriate treatment, it is possible to resolve the condition and the outcome can be good
• Untreated conditions can cause it to progress and even become debilitating affecting one’s overall quality of life

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Cervicogenic Headache:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/neurological-institute/