Headache Relief Through Physical Therapy in Reno
Treating the Source, Not Just the Symptoms
Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapists can play a key role in treating headaches, especially those with a musculoskeletal origin. At Strength in Motion in Reno, NV, we specialize in identifying and treating headaches that stem from the cervical spine — often referred to as cervicogenic headaches.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from dysfunction in the neck, including joints, muscles, nerves, and connective tissue. Unlike migraines or tension headaches, these are referred pain patterns — meaning the pain is felt in the head but is generated by structures in the neck.
How Does the Neck Cause Headaches?
The key lies in a part of the nervous system known as the trigeminocervical nucleus (also called the trigeminovascular nucleus). This is a region in the upper spinal cord where sensory nerves from the upper cervical spine (C1–C3) and the trigeminal nerve (which supplies the face and head) converge. When there is dysfunction in the cervical spine — such as joint restriction, muscular tightness, or inflammation — signals from these structures can sensitize this shared neural pathway, resulting in pain perceived in the head.
This overlap explains why dysfunction in the neck can refer pain to the temples, behind the eyes, forehead, or even mimic migraines.
Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Headaches
Pain on one side of the head
Reduced neck range of motion
Pain triggered by neck movement or sustained postures
Tenderness in the upper neck or base of the skull
Is Your Headache Coming from Your Neck?
If you’ve had persistent or recurring headaches, especially if they’re triggered by neck movement, stress, or poor posture, your cervical spine may be playing a role.
You don’t have to live with chronic headaches. Physical therapy can offer a safe, drug-free path to relief — especially when the pain is cervicogenic in nature.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
At Strength in Motion, we focus on identifying the underlying source of your headache and applying research-backed treatments that address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Our approach may include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce soft tissue tension in the cervical spine. This includes joint mobilizations, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy.
Spinal Manipulation
When appropriate, gentle and safe manipulation techniques can restore mobility in restricted cervical joints and improve overall function.
Targeted Exercise
Specific exercises designed to improve neck strength, posture, and endurance—especially for the deep cervical flexors and scapular stabilizers.
Cupping Therapy
This soft tissue technique can improve blood flow, reduce muscle tightness, and relieve trigger points that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Postural Retraining and Ergonomic Advice
Many headaches are aggravated by poor desk setup, stress, or posture. We’ll help you build better movement habits and ergonomics.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re struggling with headaches and suspect your neck might be involved, we’re here to help. At Strength in Motion in Reno, we specialize in identifying and resolving the musculoskeletal causes of head and neck pain. Let’s get to the source of your headaches and restore your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
References
- Bogduk N. (2001). Cervicogenic headache: anatomic basis and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Curr Pain Headache Rep, 5(4), 382–386. [Explains the anatomical connection between the upper cervical spine and headaches via the trigeminocervical nucleus.]
- Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C., et al. (2011). Manual therapy for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. J Headache Pain, 12, 117–127. [Supports the use of manual therapy and exercise in managing cervicogenic headache.]
- Watson D.H., Drummond P.D. (2012). Head pain referral during examination of the neck in migraine and tension-type headache. Headache, 52(8), 1226–1235. [Describes headache provocation from cervical structures and overlap with migraine-like symptoms.]
- Jull G., et al. (2002). A randomized controlled trial of exercise and manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache. Spine, 27(17), 1835–1843. [Demonstrates the benefit of a combined approach using manual therapy and targeted exercises.]
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