Headaches

Many recurring headaches — especially tension-type and cervicogenic headaches — actually start in the neck. Tight suboccipital muscles, stiff upper-cervical joints, and forward-head posture can all refer pain into the skull, temples, and behind the eyes.

When headaches have a musculoskeletal driver, physical therapy is often the missing piece: it treats the source rather than masking the symptom.

Common signs & symptoms

• Band-like pressure around the head
• Pain that starts at the base of the skull
• Headaches that worsen with desk work or stress
• Tender points in the neck and shoulders
• Reduced neck motion accompanying head pain

How physical therapy helps

We examine your neck joints, muscles, and posture to identify what's referring pain into your head. Treatment usually combines gentle joint mobilization of the upper neck, soft-tissue release and dry needling of trigger points, and strengthening for the deep neck flexors — plus practical ergonomic changes for work and sleep.

Treatments we use

• Upper-cervical joint mobilization
• Dry needling
• Myofascial release
• Postural strengthening
• Ergonomic coaching

Frequently asked questions

This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.