Cervicogenic Headache vs Migraine: How to Tell the Difference

If you often experience headaches that start in the neck or radiate behind the eyes, you might be wondering whether it’s a migraine or a cervicogenic headache. The two can feel similar, but they come from very different sources. Understanding the difference helps you get the right kind of care.

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache originates from dysfunction or tension in the neck (cervical spine), often due to poor posture, spinal misalignment, or joint restriction.

Common symptoms:

• Pain starts in the neck or base of the skull

• Discomfort spreads to the back or front of the head

• Often one-sided

• Neck stiffness or limited motion

• Triggered by certain head or neck movements

What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition often involving chemical or vascular changes in the brain.

Common symptoms:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain (often one-sided)

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Nausea or visual disturbances (aura)

• Lasts hours to days

• May occur with no neck pain at all

How Chiropractic Helps
Chiropractic care can be highly effective for cervicogenic headaches by restoring motion to the upper cervical spine, relieving muscle tension, and reducing nerve irritation. While migraines are more neurological, many migraine patients find chiropractic adjustments help reduce frequency and intensity.

“When headaches start in the neck or upper back, it’s usually cervicogenic. Once we restore proper motion and alignment, the headaches often fade quickly.” — Dr. Mike Khodorkovsky