If you’ve been experiencing ongoing headaches, it’s easy to assume the problem starts in your head, yet in many cases, the real source lies in your neck. Known as cervicogenic headaches, these are a common yet often overlooked cause of persistent discomfort. At our Newport clinic, however, Nicole Peavy, our resident physio for headaches, can help you better understand and manage the source of your pain.
What are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in your neck, including joints, muscles, and nerves, and when these areas become irritated or restricted, pain can radiate to your head (referred pain). Unlike migraines or tension headaches, these headaches are driven by dysfunction in your cervical spine, meaning that treating your neck, rather than just your head, is key to long-term relief.
What is Referred Pain?
Referred pain is when discomfort is felt in a different area from where the problem actually exists. In the case of cervicogenic headaches, the neck sends pain signals to your head, often around your temples, behind your eyes, or at the base of your skull.
This is why traditional headache treatments may only provide temporary relief from these type of headaches. Without addressing the underlying neck issue, the pain is likely to return.
Is Your Neck Causing Your Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches often have distinct patterns that set them apart from other types of headaches. For example, you may experience:
- Headaches that start at the base of your skull and move forward over your head.
- Pain on one side of your head.
- Stiffness or reduced movement in your neck.
- Headaches triggered by certain neck positions or prolonged sitting.
- Relief when your neck is treated or supported.
If these symptoms sound familiar, working with a physio, such as Nicole at our Newport clinic, who’s experienced in treating cervicogenic headaches, can help identify whether your neck is the source of your discomfort.
Nicole’s Approach to Cervicogenic Headaches
As an experienced physio for headaches, Nicole brings a unique level of understanding to treating cervicogenic headaches, combining clinical expertise with lived experience. Her background as a competitive dancer at a national level gives her a strong appreciation for movement, control, and the demands placed on the body. Her personal journey with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Dysautonomia adds another layer to her care. She understands how complex and frustrating chronic conditions can feel, particularly referred pain, and especially when symptoms are difficult to explain or manage.
When treating cervicogenic headaches, Nicole focuses on:
- Understanding how your neck, posture, and daily habits interact to cause your pain.
- Building strength and control without aggravating your symptoms.
- Providing clear guidance so you understand what is driving your headaches.
- Hands-on therapy to improve the movement of your neck.
- Targeted exercises to strengthen your neck and upper back muscles.
- Postural correction to reduce the ongoing strain on your neck.
- Advice on daily habits that may be contributing to your headaches.
Why Treating Your Neck Makes a Difference
Cervicogenic headaches can be persistent, especially when the underlying cause is unaddressed. Targeted physio for these headaches helps break the cycle of recurring pain and improves your body’s ability to manage everyday movements and physical demands.
Nicole finds that many clients experience very positive outcomes from her treatments, for example:
- Reduced frequency and intensity of headaches.
- Improved neck mobility and comfort.
- Better posture and movement habits.
- Greater confidence in managing their symptoms.
Physio for Headaches: A Practical Approach to Lasting Relief
Working with a physio for headaches like Nicole at Newport Physio and Health allows you to look beyond temporary fixes and focus on the source of your symptoms. So, if your headaches keep returning or feel linked to your neck, it may be time to take a different approach to your discomfort. Cervicogenic headaches respond well to the right treatment, especially when guided by experience and understanding.
Book your appointment with Nicole at our Newport clinic today and start addressing the cause of your symptoms with a personalised plan tailored to your situation.