Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are a common type of headache, affecting as many as 10 million people in the UK. These headaches arise due to referred pain originating from the neck, often caused by tension or strain in the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back.

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Factors contributing to headaches from the neck include poor posture, sleeping or prolonged sitting in awkward positions, anxiety, stress, and age-related changes such as osteoarthritis.

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Osteopathic treatment can help alleviate cervicogenic headaches through hands-on techniques such as cranial osteopathy, massage and mobilisation of the neck, thorax, and back muscles. These treatments aim to relieve the build-up of muscular tension that may lead to headaches, providing significant relief for those affected by this condition. The NICE guidelines also suggest acupuncture may be helpful for tension type headaches.