Neck Pain & Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches and neck dysfunction: assessed at the source, not managed with painkillers.
Neck pain and headaches are among the most common presentations in active individuals and desk workers alike. A significant proportion of headaches, particularly those that feel like tension headaches, originate from the cervical spine, not from inside the head.
Cervicogenic headaches are driven by dysfunction in the upper cervical joints, muscles, and nerves. They are often misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines, and managed with medication rather than treated at the source.
Sports-related neck pain frequently involves the facet joints, cervical discs, and upper trapezius, often driven by contact sport impacts, overhead movements, or sustained postures during training and competition.
Assessment at INVICTUS identifies the specific cervical structures involved, the movement restrictions contributing to symptoms, and the postural or training factors perpetuating the problem.
How we treat it
Cervical spine assessment
Detailed assessment of upper and lower cervical joint mobility, muscle function, and neurological screening.
Manual therapy
Cervical manipulation and mobilisation to restore joint mechanics and reduce referred headache patterns.
Soft tissue therapy
Treatment of the suboccipital, upper trapezius, and cervical musculature that drives chronic tension headaches.
Postural correction
Assessment and correction of the postural patterns that load the cervical spine throughout the day.
Cervical rehabilitation
Deep neck flexor and cervical stability training to support long-term resolution.
Headache education
Understanding your headache type, triggers, and self-management strategies to reduce reliance on medication.
Neck Pain & Headaches: FAQ
Headaches that originate from the neck often start at the base of the skull, may be one-sided, and can be reproduced or worsened by certain neck movements or sustained postures. Because symptoms can overlap with other headache types, a clinical assessment is needed to determine whether the neck is contributing and to guide appropriate management.
Chiropractic care can be an effective option for some types of neck pain and cervicogenic headaches. Techniques such as cervical manipulation and mobilisation are commonly used by qualified chiropractors. As with any treatment, there are potential risks as well as benefits. Rudy will assess your suitability and discuss options, risks, and expected outcomes before any treatment begins.
Yes. Neck-related headaches, known as cervicogenic headache, can arise from the upper cervical spine. Sensory pathways from the neck and head converge in the trigeminocervical region, which can cause cervical dysfunction to present as head pain. This type of headache is recognised in the clinical literature and may respond well to appropriate assessment and management.
Cervicogenic headache often responds well to treatment, with many cases showing meaningful improvement within 4–6 sessions. Long-standing patterns, or those with multiple contributing factors, may take longer. Rudy will give you a realistic estimate at your initial assessment based on your specific presentation.
Your initial consultation
Your first appointment is 45 minutes.
We start with your history: what’s happening, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’re working towards.
From there, Rudy moves into a physical and orthopaedic examination to identify what’s driving the issue and what’s contributing to it.
Where appropriate, initial treatment follows, and you leave with a clear plan for next steps.
Book your appointment
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Related conditions
Dealing with neck pain & headaches?
Book an initial assessment at INVICTUS Sport & Spine and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.