Why This Matters 🤯
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. But not all headaches are created equal. Two of the trickiest to tell apart are cervicogenic headaches (CH) and migraines. They may feel similar, but their causes and treatments are different. Knowing how to spot the difference helps you find the right solution faster.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache? 🦴
- Cause: Pain originates from the neck (joints, muscles, or nerves) and spreads to the head.
- Pain pattern: Usually one-sided, starts in the back of the head/neck and radiates forward.
- Other signs: Stiff neck, reduced neck movement, headache triggered by certain neck positions or pressure.
What Is a Migraine? ⚡
- Cause: A neurological condition, not directly linked to the neck.
- Pain pattern: Throbbing or pulsating, often on one side but can switch sides.
- Other signs: Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, sometimes preceded by an “aura” (flashes of light, tingling, vision changes).
Quick Self-Check Questions 🧐
Ask yourself these simple questions:
- Does moving or pressing on your neck make the headache worse?
👉 More likely cervicogenic. - Do you feel nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, or see visual auras?
👉 More likely migraine. - Is the headache always on the same side, starting at the base of the skull?
👉 Cervicogenic headaches often stay consistent on one side. - Do the headaches last for hours to days, with throbbing pain that stops you from functioning?
👉 Classic sign of migraine.
Simple Relief Tips 💆
For Cervicogenic Headache:
- Neck stretches: tilt head side-to-side, hold 10 seconds.
- Cat-Cow stretch: gently mobilizes the spine and neck.
- Massage or heat pack on the neck to relax tight muscles.
For Migraine:
- Rest in a dark, quiet room.
- Cold compress on the forehead or temples.
- Stay hydrated and avoid known triggers (e.g., caffeine overload, poor sleep, stress).
When to Seek Professional Help 🚑
- If headaches are frequent, worsening, or disrupting daily life.
- If you notice new neurological symptoms: vision loss, difficulty speaking, weakness in arms/legs.
- If pain starts suddenly and severely (“worst headache of your life”).
- If home remedies aren’t helping after 2–3 weeks.
Final Takeaway 🌿
Cervicogenic headaches and migraines may look similar, but their roots are different — one comes from the neck, the other from brain activity. By asking the right questions and observing your symptoms, you can get closer to the right answer. Still, a proper medical exam is the safest way to know for sure.
