Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and refer pain to the head, often with stiffness. We ease the neck and address the posture and mechanics causing them at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from a problem in the neck — usually the upper neck joints or muscles — and refer pain to the head. They often feel like a one-sided headache starting at the base of the skull and spreading to the front, sometimes with neck stiffness and pain on certain neck movements.
At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we identify the neck problem causing your headaches and treat it with hands-on care, targeted exercises and posture advice — so the headaches ease and you get your neck moving comfortably again.

What You Feel
- One-sided headache starting at the base of the skull
- Pain spreading from the neck to the front of the head
- Stiffness and reduced neck movement
- Headache triggered by certain neck positions or postures
- Pain on one side that may stay fixed
- Tenderness at the top of the neck
- Headache that eases when the neck settles
- Discomfort worsened by prolonged sitting or screen use
Common Causes
- Stiffness or irritation in the upper neck joints
- Poor posture, particularly prolonged screen use
- Tightness and trigger points in the neck muscles
- Previous neck injury such as whiplash
- Weakness in the deep neck flexor muscles
- Sustained awkward head postures
- Stress and tension
- Poor workstation ergonomics
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Cervicogenic headaches commonly affect desk workers, drivers, students and anyone with prolonged screen time or poor neck posture. We help people whose headaches are linked to neck stiffness and posture, often after other causes have been ruled out.
If your headaches come with neck stiffness and are triggered by certain neck positions or postures, they may be cervicogenic. A precise assessment confirms the cause and guides the right treatment.
Struggling with Cervicogenic Headaches?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment identifies whether your headaches are cervicogenic and the neck problem causing them. We assess your upper neck movement and joint mobility, test the deep neck muscles, check for muscle tightness and trigger points, and review your posture and workstation.
We screen for other headache causes and red flags, so you're always in the right place. We'll explain what's causing your headaches and build a plan to treat the neck and ease them.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm cervicogenic headaches and identify the cause
- Hands-on mobilisation of the upper neck joints to ease stiffness
- Soft tissue treatment to release tight neck muscles
- Strengthening of the deep neck flexor muscles
- Posture and ergonomic correction
- A progressive plan to reduce headache frequency and intensity
Expected Recovery
Most cervicogenic headaches improve significantly within 4–6 weeks of targeted treatment that addresses the neck joints, muscles and posture. The key is fixing the underlying neck problem, not just the headache.
Posture and the deep neck muscles are central to lasting relief — strong, well-controlled neck posture keeps the joints free and the headaches away. We give you a clear plan and the habits to manage your neck and headaches long-term.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Cervicogenic Headaches Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
We Find the Neck Cause
Cervicogenic headaches come from the neck. We assess precisely to confirm that's the source and identify exactly which joints and muscles are involved.
Hands-On Joint Treatment
Gentle upper neck mobilisation eases the joint stiffness that drives these headaches — combined with soft tissue work and specific exercises.
Posture & Deep Neck Focus
Strong, well-controlled neck posture keeps the joints free and the headaches away. We address both for lasting relief, not just temporary easing.
Careful Screening
Headaches have many causes. We screen for other causes and red flags, so you're always in the right place for your care.
Same Physio Every Time
Continuity of care with a physio who knows your neck, your headaches and your goals throughout your recovery.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right outside — making regular treatment straightforward.
Related Conditions We Treat

Neck Pain
Neck pain is one of the most common issues we treat at Complete Recovery Physio in Marple. Whether you're dealing with acute neck stiffness, tension headaches, whiplash, trapped nerves, postural pain from desk work, or long-standing chronic neck problems, our experienced physiotherapists can help you find real, lasting relief.
Learn More
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury from a sudden jolt, often a car accident, causing pain and stiffness. We ease the pain and guide a gentle, progressive recovery at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is extremely common and usually responds well to the right physiotherapy. We find the cause and ease the pain with hands-on treatment, targeted exercises and clear advice at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain affects reaching, lifting, sleeping and sport. We assess the exact cause — from tendon problems to stiffness — and rebuild comfortable, confident movement with hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is the hands-on heart of physiotherapy — skilled joint mobilisation, soft tissue release and manipulation that reduces pain, restores movement and helps your body move freely again, delivered by experienced physiotherapists in Marple.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.


