Everyone knows headaches are extremely common, but not everyone knows that headaches can originate from neck problems. Various neck problems such as stiff joints and muscle dysfunctions often produce headache pain. At Dynamic Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are trained to examine the neck and detect problems that may be causing or contributing to headaches. It is not uncommon for us to eliminate a patient’s headache even after they have been suffering from frequent headaches for extended periods of time. The link between the neck problems and headaches is not yet widely known or understood.

The key to creating an effective treatment plan for patients with headache pain is a thorough interview and physical examination. Analyzing the information from the interview and exam allows the physical therapist to design an effective treatment plan. All treatment plans are unique because all our patients are unique and all of their headache conditions are unique.

Interestingly, even patients diagnosed with migraine headaches often experience relief of their pain or the frequency of their pain episodes after they have completed our treatment plan. Even though our treatment plans for headache are all different; common components can be identified. Education is crucial; patients need to understand how posture and stress, for instance, affect the neck and cause headaches. Furthermore patients need to understand what they can do everyday to promote normal neck posture and movement to minimize pain. Manual therapy is a common component in our headache treatment plans. We use manual therapy to eliminate movement restrictions and muscle dysfunction; these problems are usually at the core of headache development. Exercise and posture training is also important and exercise programs are custom-designed for each individual patient. If needed, we use modalities such as traction and electrical stimulation to support our treatment plans.

Finding the underlying causes of headache is a great challenge to us at Dynamic Physical Therapy and we welcome the opportunity to help our patients suffering from headaches. Certainly some patients suffering from headaches require other medical intervention including medication; but doesn’t it seem sensible to resolve neck problems that may be causing or contributing to headache?