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Many people assume every headache is a migraine, but that’s not always the case.
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from structures in the neck, including the joints, muscles, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues. Poor posture, prolonged computer use, stress, previous injuries, repetitive strain, and restricted movement in the cervical spine can all contribute to headaches that begin in the neck and radiate into the head.
At Rosenberg Wellness Center, Dr. Jeffrey Rosenberg provides personalized conservative care for patients experiencing cervicogenic headaches. Treatment is focused on identifying and addressing the underlying mechanical factors that may be contributing to your symptoms rather than simply masking the pain.
A cervicogenic headache is referred pain originating from the cervical spine. Unlike migraines, the source of pain is often dysfunction within the neck itself.
Many patients notice pain that begins at the base of the skull before traveling into the back of the head, temple, forehead, or around one eye. These headaches may become worse after spending long hours at a computer, looking down at a phone, driving, or maintaining poor posture throughout the day.
Because cervicogenic headaches can resemble other headache disorders, a thorough examination is important to help determine whether the neck may be contributing to your symptoms.
People experiencing cervicogenic headaches may notice:
Symptoms vary from person to person, and not every headache is cervicogenic.
Several conditions may contribute to cervicogenic headaches, including:
Many professionals working throughout Midtown Manhattan spend hours at a desk, making postural stress one of the most common contributing factors seen in our office.
Every patient receives a comprehensive examination designed to identify possible sources of pain.
Your evaluation may include:
The evaluation helps determine whether your symptoms are caused by a cervicogenic headache, cervical radiculopathy, migraine, or another condition.
If you have already undergone MRI, CT scan, or X-ray imaging, Dr. Rosenberg will review those studies when clinically appropriate as part of your examination.
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on each patient’s condition and examination findings.
Because several different conditions can produce headaches, identifying the correct diagnosis is an important first step before beginning treatment.
Depending on your diagnosis, care may include:
Active Release Technique is a specialized soft tissue treatment designed to address restrictions within muscles, tendons, fascia, and surrounding tissues that may contribute to abnormal movement and pain.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may help improve soft tissue mobility by addressing areas of restricted movement within muscles and connective tissue.
When clinically appropriate, Cox® Flexion-Distraction may be incorporated into your treatment plan. This gentle, evidence-informed chiropractic technique is designed to improve motion within the cervical spine while helping reduce mechanical stress on the spinal joints and intervertebral discs.
Some cervicogenic headaches are associated with restricted movement or dysfunction involving the cervical spine. By improving spinal mobility and addressing these mechanical factors, Cox® Flexion-Distraction may help reduce one of the underlying sources contributing to neck-related headaches.
Treatment recommendations are always based on your examination findings, diagnosis, and individual clinical presentation.
Specific chiropractic adjustments may help improve joint mobility and restore normal motion within the cervical spine when clinically appropriate.
Patients may receive individualized stretching and strengthening exercises designed to improve posture, mobility, and muscular support.
Simple modifications to workstation setup, sitting posture, monitor height, and daily habits may reduce repetitive strain on the neck.
Many of our patients work near Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Park Avenue, and throughout Midtown Manhattan. Executives, attorneys, financial professionals, healthcare professionals, and commuters often seek care for neck pain and headaches related to the physical demands of their daily routines.
Long hours at a computer, extended meetings, commuting, travel, stress, and constant smartphone use often place significant demands on the neck and upper back.
Over time, these repetitive stresses may contribute to stiffness, muscle tension, reduced mobility, and headaches originating from the cervical spine.
Yes. Dysfunction involving the cervical spine, muscles, or surrounding soft tissues can contribute to cervicogenic headaches in some individuals.
No. Although symptoms can overlap, cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the neck, while migraines involve different underlying mechanisms.
Not every patient requires imaging. Recommendations are based on your history, examination findings, and clinical presentation.
Treatment plans vary depending on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, duration of the condition, and individual response to care.
If you’re experiencing recurring headaches along with neck pain, stiffness, or discomfort after long hours at a computer, an evaluation may help determine whether your symptoms are originating from your cervical spine.
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenberg provides individualized conservative care for professionals, executives, commuters, and athletes throughout Midtown Manhattan.
Click below to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn whether cervicogenic headache treatment may be appropriate for you.
Dr. Jeff Rosenberg has been practicing for over 30 years and operates a boutique chiropractic office in midtown Manhattan.
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenberg has spent nearly three decades helping professionals, executives, and athletes in Midtown Manhattan recover from pain and improve function.
