Headaches and Migraines

If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, you know just how disruptive they can be to your daily life. These conditions can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating—and while medications may provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause. At Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance, we believe in a comprehensive, movement-based approach to headache management that gets to the source of your symptoms.

Let’s break down the different types of headaches, what causes them, and how physical therapy can be a powerful tool—especially for cervicogenic headaches.

What Causes a Headache or Migraine?

Headaches and migraines can stem from a wide range of causes, including muscular tension, nerve irritation, vascular issues, or even postural dysfunction. Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and neck dysfunction are all common contributors. Understanding the specific type of headache is the first step to effective treatment.

Common Categories of Headaches

1. Cervicogenic Headaches
These originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine (the neck). Poor posture, restricted spinal mobility, or muscle imbalances in the neck and upper back often lead to referred pain that radiates to the head, typically on one side. These headaches are frequently mistaken for migraines but are mechanical in nature.

2. Tension-Type Headaches
These are the most common type of headache and are often related to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. They usually feel like a tight band around the head and may be triggered by stress, poor ergonomics, or fatigue.

3. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are intense, stabbing headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or "clusters." They typically affect one side of the head and are accompanied by symptoms like eye watering and nasal congestion. These are believed to be related to abnormal hypothalamic activity and often require neurologic management.

4. Migraines
Migraines are neurologic in origin and can be triggered by hormonal changes, food, stress, sensory stimuli, or sleep disturbances. They often come with nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, and visual disturbances (auras). While not always curable, they can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes and supportive therapies.

Treatment Strategies by Headache Type

• Cervicogenic Headaches:
  These respond best to physical therapy interventions, especially manual therapy techniques like spinal manipulation and mobilization, postural retraining, and targeted exercises.

  • Dry Needling can release myofascial trigger points in the neck and shoulder girdle.

  • Spinal Manipulation improves cervical joint mobility.

  • Therapeutic Exercises address muscle imbalances, especially deep neck flexor weakness and scapular stability.

• Tension-Type Headaches:
  Soft tissue mobilization, relaxation techniques, ergonomic training, and strengthening/stretching exercises are very effective.

  • Focus is placed on upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital release techniques.

  • Education on posture and breathing is also crucial.

• Cluster Headaches:
  These typically require neurologic and pharmacologic care, but physical therapy can play a supportive role in managing secondary neck tension and improving general well-being.

• Migraines:
  While not directly caused by musculoskeletal dysfunction, many patients with migraines also have neck pain or dysfunction that exacerbates their symptoms.

  • Manual therapy, dry needling, and gentle cervical mobilizations can reduce peripheral inputs that may lower migraine frequency and severity.

  • Exercise and stress management also play a key role.

Why Physical Therapy—Especially for Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are mechanical problems requiring mechanical solutions. This is where physical therapy shines. At Rock Solid, we specialize in identifying movement dysfunctions that contribute to your pain. Using evidence-based techniques like:

• Dry Needling to calm overactive muscles and reduce referred pain.

• Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization to restore proper cervical alignment and movement.

• Postural and Strengthening Exercises to correct imbalances and prevent recurrence.

We don’t just treat your symptoms—we correct the underlying issues to help you move better, feel better, and stay headache-free.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If headaches are holding you back from living fully, let’s talk. Our team at Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance is trained to assess and treat the specific type of headache you’re experiencing. Through personalized, hands-on care and targeted movement strategies, we’ll help you get back to doing what you love—without the pain.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward long-term relief.