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As symptoms of Cervicogenic headaches overlap with tension headaches or migraines, cervicogenic headaches are commonly misdiagnosed.
Cervicogenic Pain is mostly caused due to sitting in front of screens and poor posture
With long hours in front of screens, poor sitting posture, and constant forward bending of the neck becoming routine, we’re seeing a rising number of cervicogenic headaches—especially among IT professionals and desk-based workers. Unlike common headaches, cervicogenic headache originates from the cervical spine (neck) and surrounding muscles. It is frequently mistaken for migraine, leading to delayed or ineffective treatment.
What is Cervicogenic Headache?
Dr Sunil Buddappa, Consultant, Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, shares how to spot a cervicogenic headache and what type of neck problems to keep an eye out for:
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle tightness
- Nerve irritation
- Poor posture
Pain usually starts at the base of the skull or upper neck, then spreads to the head, behind the eyes, or toward the jaw. It commonly affects one side and worsens with specific neck movements or prolonged sitting.
Why Desk Work Makes It Worse
Forward head posture during screen use places excessive stress on the cervical spine. Over time, muscles like the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and suboccipitals become tight and fatigued. Poor workstation design, lack of movement, and long static positions further accelerate the problem.
Symptoms Often Misdiagnosed
Because symptoms overlap with tension headaches or migraines, cervicogenic headaches are commonly misdiagnosed. However, unlike migraine, they usually lack nausea, visual disturbances, or light sensitivity.
Without addressing the neck, patients may fall into a cycle of painkillers without lasting relief. Be alert if headaches are associated with:
- Neck stiffness or reduced movement
- Shoulder tightness
- Pain triggered by posture
- Worsening with neck motion.
Treatment & Prevention
Management focuses on treating the cause:
- Ergonomic correction
- Physiotherapy
- Neck strengthening and mobility exercises
- Proper screen height and chair support
- Regular movement breaks
- In some cases, medical evaluation is needed to rule out structural cervical spine issues.
If headaches persist despite standard treatment or worsen with neck movement, seek medical advice early. With timely intervention, cervicogenic headaches are highly manageable, and long-term discomfort can be avoided.
February 04, 2026, 18:37 IST