Headaches
Not every headache is one a physiotherapist can help with — but a surprising number are. Headaches that come from the neck respond well to treatment.
Headaches that come from the neck
Cervicogenic headache starts in the neck and is felt in the head. It is typically one-sided, does not switch sides, gets worse with neck movement or a long stretch in one posture, and comes with a stiff or painful neck. This is the type physiotherapy is most useful for.
Tension-type headache
The most common headache there is: a band of pressure around the head, on both sides, usually mild to moderate. Movement does not make it worse. Neck and shoulder muscles are often tender. Treatment focuses on the muscles, on posture and on the load in daily life.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition, not a muscle problem, and physiotherapy will not cure it. What it can do is reduce a neck component that acts as a trigger for some people. If you have not been diagnosed, start with your GP.
What you can do yourself
- Keep a simple diary for two weeks: when, how long, what preceded it. Patterns show up quickly.
- Sleep, water and regular meals matter more than people like to hear.
- Break up long screen sessions – see desk-related pain.
- Be careful with painkillers. Using them more than twice a week for a longer period can itself cause headaches.
When to see a doctor straight away
A headache that comes on like a thunderclap, the worst you have ever had, headache with fever and a stiff neck, after a head injury, with confusion, weakness or vision loss, or a headache that steadily worsens over weeks.
Ready to book?
No referral needed. We treat in English at both locations.