Headaches are an all-too-common complaint, striking people of all ages and walks of life. Some are a temporary nuisance, while others linger, hijacking your focus, productivity, and overall well-being. Whether it’s a dull ache in the background or a pounding pain that makes even the simplest tasks unbearable, headaches have a way of disrupting life when you least expect it.
While many headaches come and go, others become a recurrent or chronic battle, often linked to musculoskeletal issues in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Poor posture, tension, and neck dysfunction are major culprits, especially in those spending long hours at a desk or dealing with stress-related muscle tightness.
At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we identify the hidden triggers behind your headaches. By understanding the type and underlying cause, we can help you find lasting relief. You don’t have to endure constant head pain—effective solutions exist, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Common Types of Headaches We See in Physiotherapy
1. Tension-Type Headaches
These are the most common form of headaches and are typically linked to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp. Stress, poor posture (especially during desk work), and fatigue are major contributors.
Symptoms often include:
- Dull, aching pain on both sides of the head
- A sensation of tightness or pressure around the forehead or back of the head
- Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulders
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2. Cervicogenic Headaches (Neck-Related Headaches)
Cervicogenic headaches originate from underlying issues in the neck, including joint stiffness, muscle tightness, or previous injuries such as whiplash. They are often mistaken for other types of headaches, but their root cause lies in the musculoskeletal system rather than the brain.
Common characteristics include:
- Pain that starts at the base of the skull and spreads to the front of the head
- Worsening pain with specific neck movements or prolonged postures (e.g., sitting at a desk)
- Reduced neck mobility and stiffness
3. Migraines with Musculoskeletal Triggers
Although migraines are often considered a neurological condition, neck dysfunction and muscle tension can act as triggers. Many people find physiotherapy techniques can reduce the frequency or severity of migraines, especially when combined with medical care.
Symptoms may include:
- Intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Nausea or vomiting
Neck stiffness or discomfort before or during an attack
What Causes Headaches?
Headaches can arise from a wide range of triggers, but many are closely tied to musculoskeletal issues. When the muscles and joints in your neck, shoulders, and upper back aren’t functioning optimally, they can create tension and discomfort that radiates into your head.
Common physical causes include:
- Neck and upper back stiffness – Restricted movement can lead to built-up tension.
- Poor posture – Slouching or forward head posture places excessive strain on neck muscles.
- Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw (TMJ dysfunction) – Can contribute to tension headaches and jaw-related discomfort.
- Prolonged sitting or screen use without breaks – Overloads the muscles supporting the head.
- Stress and muscle tension – Emotional strain often manifests physically.
- Previous neck injuries (e.g., whiplash, sports injuries) – Can cause long-term dysfunction.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Headaches
Rather than simply treating the symptoms, physiotherapy focuses on addressing the root cause, helping to reduce both the intensity and frequency of headaches. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we take a personalised approach, tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s specific needs.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Headaches May Include:
1. Manual Therapy
When neck joints become stiff or restricted, they can contribute to headaches. Our hands-on techniques help restore movement and ease muscle tension.
- Joint mobilisation – Improves neck mobility and reduces stiffness.
- Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy – Releases tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, alleviating tension headaches.
- Dry needling (where appropriate) – Helps release stubborn muscle knots that may be contributing to headaches.
2. Postural and Ergonomic Advice
Posture plays a significant role in headache development, especially for those spending long hours at a desk. Poor alignment places excessive strain on the neck, leading to tension-related pain. We provide:
- Education on correct sitting and standing postures – Teaching simple yet effective ways to support proper spinal alignment.
- Desk and workstation setup recommendations – Small adjustments to chair height, monitor position, and keyboard placement can significantly reduce strain on the neck and shoulders.
3. Specific Exercise Programmes
Movement and strength are key to preventing recurring headaches. Our tailored exercise programmes focus on:
- Stretching exercises – Relieving tightness in the neck and shoulders.
- Strengthening exercises – Building support for the upper back and neck to reduce muscle fatigue.
- Movement retraining – Encouraging healthier movement patterns to prevent overloading specific muscles.
4. Education on Headache Triggers and Self-Management
Understanding what’s causing your headaches is half the battle. We help patients:
- Identify and manage lifestyle and physical triggers – From poor sleep habits to stress-induced muscle tension.
- Use breathing and relaxation techniques – Effective methods to ease stress-related tightness and prevent tension headaches.
Signs Your Headache May Be Physio-Related
Wondering if physiotherapy could help your headaches? If you experience any of the following, a physiotherapy assessment may be beneficial:
- Headaches that start in the neck or shoulders
- Pain that worsens after sitting at a desk or using devices
- Headaches combined with neck stiffness or pain
- A history of neck injuries or whiplash
- Frequent tension in the jaw or shoulders
Our Approach at Cairnhill Physiotherapy
At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we understand that headaches are more than just an inconvenience, they can take a serious toll on your daily life. That’s why we take a holistic, hands-on approach to headache management, focusing on long-term relief rather than short-term fixes.
Our experienced physiotherapists dig deeper to identify the underlying musculoskeletal factors contributing to your headaches. We then create a personalised treatment plan that may include:
- Hands-on therapies – Relieving muscle tension, improving neck mobility, and easing pain.
- Targeted exercises – Strengthening and stretching key muscles for better posture and long-term prevention.
- Lifestyle and ergonomic advice – Helping you reduce triggers and avoid recurring headaches.
Need Help with Headaches?
If you’re struggling with headaches and think they may be related to tension or posture, we’re here to help. Contact Cairnhill Physiotherapy to learn more or to book an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
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