Do you struggle with nagging headaches that just won’t seem to go away? You’ve tried improving your sleep, drinking more water, adjusting your diet, and managing stress—yet the headaches still linger. For some, these headaches may be mild and manageable, but for others, they can become debilitating.
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, we are trained to evaluate whether your headache
symptoms may be linked to musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. Even for those who
experience migraines, physical therapy can often help by reducing musculoskeletal
triggers that contribute to their frequency or intensity.
What We Look For
Our assessment begins with the cervical spine (the neck). We check for proper joint
mobility, stability, and muscle tone. But we don’t just stop at the neck. Sometimes the source of the problem can be related to other areas such as the thoracic spine (mid-back) or the shoulders—a concept known as regional interdependence.
Common contributors to headaches include muscle trigger points. Commonly known muscles are:
• Upper trapezius (upper trap)
• Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
• Small, deep muscles at the back of the neck
Headaches can also stem from stiffness in the cervical spine or from instability (poor
support from the surrounding muscles). During your visit, we’ll carefully assess what’s contributing to your symptoms and design a treatment plan tailored to you. If we determine that your headaches aren’t musculoskeletal in nature, we’ll guide you toward the right specialist to ensure you get the care you need.
Types of Headaches We Commonly See
• Migraines – A neurological condition that presents as a headache, typically one-
sided, and often worsened with walking or activity. Migraines can be associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual
changes known as “auras.”
• Cervicogenic Headaches – These headaches originate from the neck but lack the
neurological symptoms of migraines. They are linked to musculoskeletal
dysfunction and often respond well to physical therapy interventions.
The Takeaway
Not all headaches are the same—and not all of them respond to the same solutions. At Inspired Physiotherapy, we focus on identifying and treating the musculoskeletal factors that may be driving your pain. Our goal is to help you not only find relief but also prevent headaches from interfering with your daily life.
