Headaches – A Real Pain in the Neck

It starts as a dull ache at the base of your neck, slowly creeping upward to your temple, forehead, or eye. Your ability to concentrate fades, simple tasks feel impossible, and every movement of your neck sends a sharp, paralyzing pain through your head.

You may have just experienced a cervicogenic headache—a headache originating from the cervical spine (neck).

Understanding Headaches and Their Impact

Headaches are one of the most common complaints among adults and children, leading to:

• Missed workdays and decreased productivity
• Billions in healthcare costs for treatment and management
• A lower quality of life due to chronic discomfort and fatigue

There are many different types of headaches, including:

• Migraine headaches – Often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and throbbing pain
• Tension headaches – Caused by stress and muscle tension, leading to a tight, band-like pain
• Occipital headaches – Pain that radiates from the base of the skull due to nerve irritation
• Cervicogenic headaches – Stemming from dysfunction in the joints, muscles, or nerves of the neck

Successful headache treatment depends on correctly identifying the source of the problem.

Why Does Neck Dysfunction Cause Headaches?

The upper three segments of the cervical spine are closely connected to the nerves that supply sensation to the head. If these joints become restricted or misaligned due to poor posture, muscle tightness, or past injuries, it can lead to referred pain in the head—triggering a headache.

Additionally, muscle tension, myofascial restrictions, and poor biomechanics in the neck can create ongoing discomfort and chronic headaches.

Effective Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches

While migraines are typically managed through medication and lifestyle changes, cervicogenic headaches respond exceptionally well to physical therapy and manual techniques.

At Therapeutic Rehab Specialists, we use a combination of evidence-based treatments to relieve pain at the source:

• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Myofascial Release

  • Releases tension in the fibrous connective tissue (fascia)
  • Improves blood flow and flexibility, reducing tightness
  • Targets trigger points that may be causing pain

• Joint Mobilization & Spinal Manipulation (1,2,3,4)

  • Corrects dysfunctional movement patterns in the upper cervical spine
  • Restores normal joint motion to reduce nerve irritation
  • Often provides immediate relief from headaches

• Deep Tissue Massage & Stretching

  • Alleviates muscle tightness and spasms contributing to headache pain
  • Promotes relaxation and reduces overall stress levels

• Self-Mobilization & Patient Education (2,4)

  • Unlike traditional treatment, we empower patients with self-care techniques
  • Teaching at-home mobilization exercises allows for better control over headache intensity and duration
  • Helps prevent recurring pain and dependence on medications

Backed by Research – Proven Results

Our approach isn’t just effective—it’s scientifically backed. A University study conducted at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists in Lakeland and Brandon, FL has documented the success of our progressive treatment techniques in reducing the severity and frequency of cervicogenic headaches.

Relief May Be Closer Than You Think

If you suffer from headaches that originate from the neck, you don’t have to live in pain. Our team specializes in treating cervicogenic headaches with non-invasive, hands-on techniques that work.

📞 Book a call with us at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists – (813) 876-8771
Ask for Anthony Pribila, PT, DSc, CMPT, CMP, CEAS, to learn how you can experience the same effective treatment that has helped countless others find relief.

Take control of your headaches—relief is within reach!

References

1. Grieves G P. Grieve’s Modern Manual Therapy: The Vertebral Column. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1995: 322-532.
2. Jull G, Trott P, Potter H, Zito G, Neire K. A randomized controlled trial of exercise and manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache. Spine. 2002;27:1835-1843.
3. Mulligan BR. Manual Therapy “NAGS,” “SNAGS,” “MWMS” etc. 4th ed. Plane View Services Ltd, Wellington, NZ; 1999:9-43.
4. Zito G, Jull G, Storry I. Clinical tests of musculoskeletal dysfunction in the diagnosis of cervicogenic headache. Manual Therapy. 2006;11:118-129.