Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches originate in the joints, muscles, or nerves of the upper cervical spine (the top of your neck). They typically cause one-sided head pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates toward the forehead or behind the eye. These headaches often worsen with sustained postures, neck movement, or pressing on specific spots in the neck.

Physical therapy is the first-line treatment for cervicogenic headaches — and it works. Research shows that spinal manipulation combined with strengthening exercises significantly reduces headache frequency, intensity, and disability.

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension headaches feel like a band of pressure around the head and are often triggered by stress, poor posture, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, or jaw clenching. Our physical therapists address the muscular and postural contributors to tension headaches through manual therapy, dry needling of trigger points in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles, and corrective exercise.

Migraines with Musculoskeletal Contributions

While migraines are a neurological condition, research increasingly shows that musculoskeletal dysfunction in the cervical spine contributes to migraine frequency and intensity. Physical therapy that addresses neck stiffness, trigger points, and muscle weakness can reduce migraine frequency and make episodes less severe — often reducing or eliminating the need for preventive medication.