Understanding Clinical Features and Risk Factors in Cervicogenic Headache Management- How Chiropractors Can Help
- Julian Simpson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read

Cervicogenic headache (CEH) is a type of headache originating from cervical spine disorders. These disorders involve various components, including bony structures, intervertebral discs, and soft tissues
What are the signs of Cervicogenic Headaches?
pain on one side
Pain doesn't shift to the other side
can affect up to 4% of the population
Persistent headache
Pain localised in the occiput, frontal, temporal and orbital regions of the head
originates in the spine but can be felt in the shoulders, chest wall, buttocks and lower extremities. (2025 research found nearly 1 in 2 had pain in the arm and shoulders)
What will your chiropractor look for to see if you have Cervicogenic Headaches?
Take a postural examination
Check the range of motion of the neck
Pay particular attention to the upper neck as the majority of the headaches come from the first 3 vertebrae
Assess the greater occipital (2nd vertebra in your neck) as it is a critical pain generator in cervicogenic headaches. This causes pain in over 2 in 3 people
When would your Chiropractor refer you to a Surgeon or for further tests?
Patients who have pain on BOTH sides, loss of sensation and failed conservative care is when it are recommended that patients get further tests and undergo surgery

For more information about how we can help YOU with your neck pain and improve your underlying dysfunction so the problem doesn’t come back . Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!
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Li J, Wu B, Wang X, Zhao L, Cui J, Liu J, Guo K, Zhang X, Liu J. Clinical features, risk factors, and a nomogram for predicting refractory cervicogenic headache: a retrospective multivariate analysis. Front Neurol. 2025 Mar 24;16:1531180. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1531180. PMID: 40196865; PMCID: PMC11973074.
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