Physical Therapy for
Most people don't think of physical therapy for headaches — but many headaches, including those diagnosed as tension headaches or migraines, actually originate in the cervical spine. When the neck is the source, PT can be remarkably effective.
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate in the cervical spine — the joints, muscles, and nerves of the neck — and refer pain into the head. They are frequently misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines.
Signs your headaches may be coming from your neck:
Cervicogenic Headaches
Directly caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine. Respond very well to manual therapy and dry needling.
Tension Headaches
Often driven by muscle tension in the neck, upper traps, and suboccipital muscles — all treatable with PT.
Headaches After Whiplash
Post-traumatic headaches following a car accident or injury frequently have a cervical component.
TMJ-Related Headaches
Jaw dysfunction can refer pain into the temples and head. PT addresses both the jaw and neck.
The goal is to identify and treat the source — not just manage the symptom.
Joint mobilization of the upper cervical spine — the C1/C2 area is a primary source of cervicogenic headaches.
Targets the suboccipital muscles, upper traps, and sternocleidomastoid — key contributors to headache pain.
Forward head posture places enormous stress on the upper cervical spine. Correcting it reduces headache frequency.
Strengthening the deep neck muscles that support the cervical spine and reduce mechanical stress.
Primal Reflex Release Technique — can rapidly reduce the muscle guarding and reflex patterns that drive headaches.
When jaw dysfunction is contributing to headaches, manual therapy and dry needling to the jaw and neck address both.
If your headaches haven't responded to medication, your neck may be the source. Call for a free 10-minute phone consultation.