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Cervicogenic headache is referred pain from cervical spine structures, often worsened by neck posture, with overlap but distinct from migraine and tension-type headache.
Quick Answer
Cervicogenic headache is referred pain from cervical spine structures, often worsened by neck posture, with overlap but distinct from migraine and tension-type headache. Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029, 15+ years of clinical experience) evaluates cervicogenic headache & neck-related neurological symptoms at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, Durbar Marg, Opposite of Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Neck pain and headache frequently coexist, but cervicogenic headache is attributed to cervical pathology — notably C1-C3 joints — with pain starting posteriorly and spreading forward, provoked by neck movement or pressure. Over-diagnosis is common; systematic headache classification (ICHD-3) and posture/strain assessment prevent misattribution.
History of neck-headache linkage, exam of neck provocation, and exclusion of primary headache and red flags; imaging mainly for atypical or neurologic deficits.
Posture/ergonomic correction, exercise, physiotherapy considerations, and headache education; invasive options only where clearly indicated.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
Ergonomic desk setup, regular movement breaks, neck strengthening and stretching, and avoiding prolonged flexion.
No. Migraine and tension-type are more common. True cervicogenic headache requires neck-specific provocation.
For selected cervicogenic cases, posture and physiotherapy may help; for migraine/tension, benefit is limited.
Dizziness usually reflects vestibular/migraine mechanisms; neck alone is uncommon cause and needs careful evaluation.
If neurologic deficits, trauma, fever, or progressive worsening exist — not for routine cervicogenic without red flags.
Migraine has photophobia, nausea, aura often; cervicogenic is posture/neck-movement provoked and usually posterior origin.
Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent headache episodes, often with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes aura.
Tension-type headache is a common primary headache, often described as pressure or tightness around the head.
Trigeminal neuralgia causes brief, severe facial pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve, often triggered by light touch.
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Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
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Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav
Consultant Neurologist & Headache Specialist • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav.
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