When Head Pain Starts in the Neck
Many people are surprised to learn that certain headaches can be influenced by the muscles, joints, posture, and movement patterns of the neck and upper back.
If headaches are interfering with your work, exercise routine, sleep, or quality of life, physical therapy may be an important part of your treatment plan.
At Kickstart Physical Therapy, we help individuals identify potential musculoskeletal contributors to headaches and develop strategies to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Types of Headaches We Commonly See
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches originate from structures in the neck and are often associated with:
- Neck pain
- Limited neck mobility
- Poor posture
- Previous injuries
- Muscle tension
Tension-Type Headaches
Often associated with:
- Stress
- Muscle tightness
- Postural strain
- Prolonged sitting
- Repetitive activities
Migraine-Related Symptoms
While migraines are a neurological condition, many individuals also experience neck pain, muscle tension, movement limitations, or postural dysfunction that may contribute to symptoms.
Common Symptoms
- Pain at the base of the skull
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches that worsen with neck movement
- Pain behind the eyes
- Upper shoulder tension
- Sensitivity to activity
- Recurrent headaches
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Postural education
- Mobility exercises
- Strengthening programs
- Ergonomic recommendations
- Movement retraining
Our goal is to identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and help you develop long-term strategies for managing them.
Associated Conditions
We frequently see headaches associated with:
- Neck dysfunction
- Hypermobility
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Postural strain
- Muscle tension
- Chronic pain conditions
Why Choose Kickstart Physical Therapy?
With more than 25 years of experience and certified in manual therapy, we understand that headaches are often multifactorial and require a personalized approach.
Every treatment session is provided one-on-one by a Doctor of Physical Therapy who takes the time to understand your symptoms, triggers, and goals.
Find Relief and Get Back to Living
If headaches or migraines are interfering with your daily life, schedule an evaluation to learn whether physical therapy may be able to help.