Category: Headaches

Why Do I Wake Up With A Headache?
Waking up with a pounding headache can instantly derail your entire day. It doesn’t just hurt—it can leave you feeling irritable, unfocused, and desperate for relief that won’t come.

If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Morning headaches affect approximately 1 in 13 people, with women experiencing them more frequently than men. The good news? With some careful observation and targeted strategies, you can often identify what’s causing your morning head pain and take steps to prevent it.

Possible types of morning headaches

Not all morning headaches feel the same, and identifying your specific type can help pinpoint the underlying cause. Here are the most common varieties you might experience:

Tension headaches

These most common headaches feel like a tight band squeezing around your entire head, creating a dull, aching sensation. Tension headaches often result from stress, poor sleep posture, or muscle tension in your neck and shoulders (cervicogenic headaches).

Migraine headaches

Migraine symptoms often result in headaches as well as vision, hearing, and other sensory sensitivities. Depending on your experience with migraine, certain triggers may be occurring during the night that wake you up with a migraine episode already in progress.

Hypnic headaches

Known as “alarm clock headaches,” these rare headaches occur only during sleep and wake you up at the same time each night they occur.

Cluster headaches

These cause severe, stabbing pain centered around one eye and often occur at predictable times, sometimes waking people from sleep.

Dehydration headaches

After hours without water intake, your body can become mildly dehydrated, leading to reduced blood volume and decreased oxygen flow to the brain.

Caffeine withdrawal headaches

If you regularly consume coffee or other caffeinated beverages at the same time every day, skipping your usual dose can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including headaches.

Possible causes for morning headaches

As you can see from the list above, the list of potential causes of headaches when waking up is long and varied. Unfortunately, this means there’s no one trick to eliminating them. Instead, focus on identifying the exact cause of your headaches. Maybe you already have an idea about what looks likely from this list, or from other internet research.

A few possible causes that may ring true for your experience are:
- Sleep apnea is one of the most significant culprits behind morning headaches. This condition causes breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen levels that can trigger head pain. About 29% of people with obstructive sleep apnea experience morning headaches.
- Insomnia and poor sleep quality also increase your risk. When you don’t get sufficient restorative sleep, your brain becomes more sensitive to pain signals.
- Sleep routine and environment: Your sleeping position and pillow setup can strain your neck and shoulders, leading to tension headaches. Sleeping in an awkward position for hours puts stress on your muscles and joints.
- Oversleeping can also trigger headaches. Both insufficient sleep and too much sleep can disrupt your natural circadian rhythms.
- Bruxism: Clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep creates significant tension in your jaw muscles, which can radiate to your head and cause morning headaches.
- High blood pressure during sleep can increase pressure inside your skull, leading to headaches that are felt upon waking.
- Alcohol consumption the night before can disrupt your sleep patterns and lead to dehydration, both contributing to morning headaches.
- Medication effects can also play a role. Some medications cause headaches as a side effect, while withdrawal from pain medications can create rebound headaches.
If nothing on this list sounds like the cause you’re dealing with, the best way to get an accurate diagnosis of what may be going on is to see a medical professional.

How to stop waking up with a headache

Because the list of potential causes is extensive, there’s no single solution that works for everyone. The key is identifying your specific triggers and addressing them systematically.

Sleep hygiene

Establishing consistent, healthy sleep habits forms the foundation for headache prevention:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time daily
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine with calming activities like reading or gentle stretching
- Optimize your sleep environment by keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet
- Invest in proper pillow support to maintain good neck alignment
Hydration

Dehydration is often an overlooked cause of morning headaches. Keep a glass of water by your bedside and drink it when you wake up. Consider having a small glass before bed if it won’t disrupt your sleep with bathroom trips.

Having the windows open or a fan running in your room can be soothing and cooling, but it can also dry out your airways and lead to dehydration, airway irritation, snoring, and other symptoms that could all contribute to a poor night’s sleep.

Problematic substances
- Reduce alcohol consumption, especially close to bedtime
- Monitor caffeine intake and avoid consuming it late in the day
- Avoid overusing pain medications, which can lead to rebound headaches
Manage stress and tension

Since stress and muscle tension contribute to many headache types, incorporating stress management techniques can be highly effective:
- Practice relaxation exercises before bed
- Consider gentle neck and shoulder stretches
- Try mindfulness or meditation techniques
When to see a professional

While occasional morning headaches might not be cause for alarm, certain situations warrant medical attention. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific symptoms and medical history.

You should seek medical care if:
- Headaches occur several times per week
- Pain is worsening over time
- Headaches interfere with your daily activities
- You experience additional symptoms like high blood pressure, vision changes, or breathing problems during sleep
Keep a headache diary noting when headaches occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers. This information will help your healthcare provider identify patterns and develop an effective treatment plan.

Tension and headache relief near you

Sometimes morning headaches result from physical tension you might not even realize you’re carrying. Poor posture during the day, muscle imbalances, or even genetic factors can contribute to the underlying muscle tension that manifests as morning headaches.

Physical therapy can be particularly effective for addressing these types of issues. At Excel Sports & PT, our Physical Therapists can assess your posture, identify muscle imbalances, and develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce tension and prevent future headaches.

Learn more or get started right away by calling an Excel clinic near you or by requesting an appointment online today.
October 14, 2025
How to Relieve A Headache in the Back of the Head
If you’re someone who rarely experiences headaches, a sudden sharp pain at the base of your skull can feel particularly alarming. Or perhaps you’re dealing with recurring back of head headaches and have grown frustrated with temporary solutions that don’t address the root cause. Either way, you’re not alone—and there are effective ways to find relief.

Unlike typical tension headaches that wrap around your forehead, these headaches may also affect other parts of the body. Sometimes it radiates down your neck or up toward the crown of your head.

When pain medication that you have on hand doesn’t work, or gives you bad side effects you’d like to avoid, there are still several treatment options that utilize the principles and personalized guidance of physical therapy that can help.

What causes back-of-head headaches?

To treat any pain effectively, you first need to know what’s causing it. The back of your head is a connection hub for multiple nerves and muscles that carry and convey tension from your daily activities. While tension is a common cause for back-of-head headaches, it’s not the only one.
- Stress and muscle tension from emotional or physical stress causes your neck and shoulder muscles to tighten. Over time, this chronic tension can cause a cascade of tension to muscles and nerves at the back of your head that results in headache-like pain.
- Tension headaches are the most frequent culprit of headache pain. While they often feel like pain that affects the front or sides of the head, they can also cause discomfort at the back of the head and neck.
- Occipital neuralgia occurs when the occipital nerves—which run from the top of your spinal cord through your scalp—become inflamed or injured. This condition causes sharp, shooting pain that can feel like electric shocks at the back of your head.
- Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in your neck but are felt as head pain. Issues with your upper cervical spine, particularly the first three vertebrae, can trigger referred pain that manifests as a back of head headache.
- Cluster headaches, while less common, can cause intense pain around one eye that may also be felt at the back of the head. These typically occur in cyclical patterns and are often accompanied by other symptoms like eye redness or nasal congestion.
What to do about headaches in the back of the head

Most people’s first step toward treating a headache involves over-the-counter medication. But if this simple solution doesn’t work, it’s good to know other approaches that can provide relief for back of head headaches.

As an added benefit, some of these methods address both the immediate pain and underlying muscle tension that often contributes to the problem.
- Apply heat or cold therapy to the affected area. A warm compress on your neck and shoulders can help relax tense muscles, while a cold pack at the base of your skull may reduce inflammation and numb pain. Experiment with both to see which provides better relief for your specific situation.
- Practice gentle neck stretches to release muscle tension. Slowly turn your head from side to side, then gently tilt your ear toward each shoulder. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and avoid any movements that increase pain.
- Massage the trigger points in your neck, shoulders, and at the base of your skull. Use firm but gentle pressure with your fingertips to work out knots and tension. Pay special attention to the area where your neck meets your skull.
- Improve your posture especially if you spend a lot of time sitting each day. When you’ve been hunched over a computer or looking down at your phone for a while, consciously straighten your spine, pull your shoulders back, and re-position your head directly over your shoulders.
- Stay hydrated as dehydration can trigger headaches. Drink water steadily throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
What works for one person may not work for another, and identifying your specific triggers and muscle imbalances often means that a one-on-one assessment of your symptoms, posture, and body mechanics is the most beneficial treatment option.

How physical therapy might help

Physical therapy offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating back of head headaches without relying on medication.

Benefits of physical therapy for headaches
- Identify root causes with a thorough evaluation. An SSOR Physical Therapist can assess your posture, muscle tension patterns, joint mobility, and movement habits to help you identify what’s contributing to your headaches.
- Develop targeted treatment plans based on your specific needs. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, treatment can be customized to address your particular muscle imbalances, trigger points, and movement dysfunctions.
- Hands-on relief techniques including manual therapy, trigger point release, and joint mobilization. These techniques can provide immediate pain relief while addressing the underlying tissue restrictions causing your headaches.
- Avoid medication side effects that come with use of some headache pain relievers.
- Improve overall neck and shoulder health which can have positive effects beyond headache relief. Better posture, reduced muscle tension, and improved mobility benefit your entire upper body.
Long-term prevention approaches

Physical therapy focuses not just on helping relieve current pain, but also preventing it from returning. The chronic muscle tension that is the cause of many types of headaches often develops from repetitive movements, poor ergonomics, or stress patterns that have built up over time, which you can change so you experience fewer headaches.
- Evaluate your workspace setup to ensure your computer screen is at eye level and your chair supports proper spinal alignment. Your physical therapist can provide specific recommendations for how to work at a desk with less tension.
- Develop a consistent sleep routine with proper pillow support. Your pillow should maintain the natural curve of your neck without forcing your head too high or letting it drop too low.
- Incorporate stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or regular physical activity into your routine. Since emotional stress often manifests as physical tension, managing stress levels can significantly reduce headache frequency.
- Address underlying muscle imbalances that may be contributing to chronic tension. Weak deep neck flexors and tight upper trapezius muscles, for example, can create a pattern that leads to recurring headaches.
Natural headache treatment in Kansas City, KS

Back of head headaches don’t have to control your life. Whether you’re dealing with occasional tension headaches or chronic occipital pain, natural treatment approaches can provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.

Our Physical Therapists at SSOR are experts in musculoskeletal disorders and apply the principles of flexibility, holistic strength, and ergonomics to help you live better with less pain, no matter what’s causing your chronic headaches. Learn more about our approach by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
September 15, 2025
How to Prevent Migraine Headaches Naturally
Migraine affects over 39 million Americans, transforming ordinary days into battles against debilitating pain. These episodes can derail work schedules, family time, and outings with friends, leaving sufferers alone and in pain. While conventional medications help some people manage their symptoms, they don’t work for everyone and often come with unwanted side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or brain fog.

For those seeking natural alternatives to migraine management, effective solutions exist beyond the medicine cabinet. Finding a way to prevent migraine headaches naturally can provide lasting relief without the worry of adverse reactions. To migraine sufferers, this kind of solution can seem like a holy grail, but it’s not as impossible a quest as it may seem.

What is migraine?

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that goes far beyond a typical headache. This disorder affects the brain’s blood vessels and nerve pathways, creating a cascade of symptoms that can persist for hours or even days.

The exact cause of migraine remains obscure, but researchers believe it involves changes in brain chemicals, particularly serotonin levels. When serotonin drops, blood vessels in the brain dilate, triggering the characteristic throbbing pain of headaches and potentially cascading into other side effects.

Common migraine triggers

Migraine triggers vary significantly between individuals, but several patterns emerge frequently:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Women living with migraine have unique challenges related to pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.
- Dietary factors: Alcohol, pickled or aged foods, processed meats, and artificial sweeteners are anecdotally known as migraine triggers for some people.
- Environmental elements: Bright lights, loud sounds, strong odors, or weather changes can affect people with migraine.
- Stress and sleep disruption: Both physical and emotional stress irregular sleep patterns make migraine symptoms more likely and/or severe.
- Physical factors: Poor posture, neck tension, or muscle strain worsen the pain of other symptoms.
A wide spectrum of symptoms

While severe head pain defines the migraine experience for most people, the condition often includes additional symptoms:
- Visual disturbances (aura) such as flashing lights or blind spots
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Cognitive difficulties, often called “brain fog”
- Neck and shoulder tension
Treating migraine symptoms

When migraine strikes, some treatment options can provide quick relief:
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen work best when taken early in an episode.
- Prescription medications can target specific brain receptors involved in migraine pain.
- Cold or heat therapy applied to the head and neck can reduce inflammation or muscle tension, respectively.
- Environmental modifications also help during acute episodes. Creating a dark, quiet space allows an overstimulated nervous system to calm down. Staying hydrated and resting in a comfortable position supports the body’s natural healing process.
However, these approaches may stop working as migraine symptoms ramp up, or the medications may have negative side effects that complicate or even outweigh their benefits.

Preventing migraine naturally

Migraine prevention without medication focuses on identifying and eliminating triggers while strengthening the body’s resilience against future episodes. This proactive approach often proves more effective in the long term but may not immediately resolve the triggers and symptoms you’re experiencing.

Physical therapy is one of the most effective natural approaches for preventing migraine headaches. By working one-on-one with a physical therapist at Rehab Access, you can learn about musculoskeletal triggers and pain relief mechanisms as part of a medication-free approach to migraine.

Potential modalities for migraine physical therapy include:
- Manual therapy techniques that help release tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. These areas often harbor trigger points that refer pain to the head.
- Postural correction to address one of the most common migraine triggers in our screen-heavy world. Forward head posture and rounded shoulders create chronic muscle strain that can trigger or worsen headaches. Learning proper alignment and strengthening supporting muscles provides long-term relief.
- Personalized exercise plans tailored to individual needs can help regulate the nervous system and improve stress tolerance. Regular, moderate exercise increases endorphin production and promotes better sleep quality. Both are crucial factors in migraine prevention.
Stress management and relaxation techniques

Stress consistently ranks as a top migraine trigger, making stress management essential for prevention. Progressive muscle relaxation teaches the body to release tension systematically, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced episodes.

Breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the fight-or-flight response that often precedes migraines. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can be practiced anywhere and provides immediate calming effects.

Mindfulness meditation helps develop awareness of early migraine warning signs, allowing for earlier intervention. Regular practice also builds resilience against stress-related triggers.

Dietary and lifestyle modifications

How to prevent migraines naturally often comes down to consistent lifestyle habits. Sleep hygiene plays a crucial role in migraine prevention. Maintaining regular sleep and wake times helps stabilize the nervous system and hormone levels.

Hydration awareness prevents dehydration-triggered migraines. Many people don’t realize that even mild dehydration can precipitate an episode, especially when combined with other triggers.

Nutritional balance supports overall brain health. Eating regular meals helps prevent blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger migraines. Identifying and avoiding personal food triggers through an elimination diet provides valuable insight into individual patterns.

Environmental modifications

Creating migraine-friendly environments can reduce your exposure to common triggers. Lighting adjustments such as using warm, dim lighting and computer screen filters to minimize visual strain. Ergonomic workspace design prevents neck and shoulder tension that contributes to headaches.

Air quality improvements through better ventilation and avoiding strong fragrances help those sensitive to environmental triggers. Even small changes like switching to unscented products may make a significant difference.

Migraine advice and natural treatments at Rehab Access

As anyone with migraine knows, the journey to recovery and relief isn’t a one-step process. It often requires careful attention to your symptoms and triggers, as well as decisions about which healthcare providers to seek for help.

If migraine medication isn’t an option for you, we hope you consider seeking a non-medicated prevention plan through physical therapy. The benefits are tangible, even if they take time to appear.

To learn more about your options at Rehab Access for migraine-specific physical therapy treatments, don’t hesitate to contact our team by calling one of our New Orleans clinics or by requesting your appointment online today.
September 11, 2025
How to Help Headaches in the Back of the Head and Neck Pain
You wake up with a stiff neck, and by afternoon, a throbbing headache has settled in the back of your head. Sound familiar? When multiple types of pain strike at once—or seem to trigger each other—it can feel overwhelming and like nothing you’re doing is helping.

The good news is that you’re far from alone in this experience. Back neck pain and headache complaints are among the most common reasons people seek help from both doctors and physical therapists across North Carolina. These interconnected pain patterns affect millions of people, but understanding the relationship between them is the first step toward finding relief.

What causes neck pain and headaches?

While everyone’s pain experience is unique, there’s an entire category of headaches directly caused by problems in the neck. Cervicogenic headaches demonstrate just how connected your upper body systems really are.

And it’s not just your neck muscles that can be a trigger for headaches; back pain and neck pain are also interrelated. Poor posture from desk work can strain your upper back muscles, pulling on neck structures and creating tension that radiates upward into your head. Alternatively, a minor neck injury from sleeping wrong or sudden movement can create compensatory patterns that affect your entire upper body.

Common triggers for this back/neck pain and headache cycle include:
- Extended computer use or “tech neck”
- Sleeping in awkward positions
- Chronic stress and muscle tension
- Previous injuries or whiplash
- Arthritis or degenerative changes
- Muscle imbalances from repetitive activities
The key insight is that treating just the headache—with pain medication, for example—often provides only temporary relief because the underlying neck or back problem remains unaddressed.

What are cervicogenic headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from problems in the cervical spine (your neck). Unlike tension headaches or migraines, these headaches start in the neck and refer pain to the back of your head, and sometimes to the temples or behind your eyes.

These headaches typically have several distinguishing characteristics:
- Location: Pain usually starts at the base of the skull and may spread to one side of the head. The back of the head is commonly affected, which is why many people describe it as a “tension” feeling.
- Associated symptoms: You might notice neck stiffness, reduced range of motion when turning your head, or tenderness in the neck muscles. Some people also experience shoulder pain on the same side as their headache.
- Triggers: These headaches often worsen with certain neck movements or sustained neck positions. You might notice them more after prolonged computer work, reading, or sleeping in an unusual position.
- Duration: Cervicogenic headaches can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and they may recur regularly if the underlying neck problem isn’t addressed.
The underlying causes of cervicogenic headaches include:
- Joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine
- Muscle tension and trigger points in neck muscles
- Nerve irritation from compressed or inflamed structures
- Poor posture leading to muscle imbalances
- Previous neck injuries that created lasting changes to vertebrae or soft tissues
- Degenerative changes in the cervical spine joints
Understanding that your headache might actually be a neck problem opens up new treatment possibilities that target the root cause rather than just playing whack-a-mole with your symptoms.

How to treat back-of-head headaches and neck pain

The most effective approach to treating back/neck pain and headache issues is addressing the underlying cause rather than simply masking the pain.

Here are a few ideas you can try at home:
- Gentle neck stretches: Slowly turn your head side to side, then gently tilt your ear toward each shoulder. Hold stretches for 15-30 seconds and repeat several times throughout the day. These movements can help release muscle tension and improve mobility.
- Heat and cold therapy: Apply a warm compress to tense neck muscles for 15-20 minutes to promote relaxation and blood flow. For acute pain or inflammation from injury, use ice to help reduce swelling. Alternate between treatments to see what works best for your situation.
- Posture corrections: Check your workspace setup. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and your feet should rest flat on the floor. When using your phone, bring it to eye level instead of looking down. Small adjustments can significantly reduce strain on your neck.
- Sleep position modifications: Use a supportive pillow that maintains your neck’s natural curve. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which forces your neck into an awkward twisted position for hours.
- Stress management: Since emotional stress often manifests as physical tension in the neck and shoulders, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help break the cycle.
- Regular movement: Take breaks every 30-60 minutes to move your neck and shoulders. Simple shoulder rolls, neck rotations, and gentle stretches can prevent tension from building up.
While these home treatments might be effective for mild to moderate symptoms, persistent or severe back neck pain and headache patterns often benefit from professional evaluation and treatment.

Personalized treatment for headaches and neck pain at Carolina Strong

Every person’s pain pattern is unique, which is why personalized treatment often yields the best results. At Carolina Strong Physical Therapy, we specialize in identifying the specific causes of your back pain, neck pain, and headache symptoms and getting you the treatment that truly works for you.

We’d be happy to meet you and talk more about how physical therapy can help with your symptoms when you call a Carolina Strong clinic near you or make your first appointment online today.
September 5, 2025
How to Relieve Eye Strain Headaches
If you get headaches regularly, you may start to see a pattern with when and how they arise. For some people, with lives dominated by screen time at work, at home, and nearly everywhere in between, the resulting eye strain leads to headaches. So how can you fight back and prevent this pain from interrupting your life?

The important thing to understand here is that eye strain is often not a direct cause of headaches, but arises at the same time as a headache because of an underlying condition that causes both. So discovering, treating, and preventing the actual underlying cause of the headache can bring you relief.

What causes eye strain headaches?

Chronic eye strain can cause headaches but also can be a concurrent symptom to something else that causes both headaches and eye strain. While you work at a screen, several things can happen that can contribute to headaches.

Your jaw might clench unconsciously as you concentrate, creating tension that radiates upward. Your neck and shoulder muscles often tighten as you lean forward or hold your head in an awkward position to see the screen better. Meanwhile, absorbed in your work, you might forget to drink enough water throughout the day, leading to dehydration—another common headache trigger.

This interconnected web means that even if you address your eye strain with drops or screen adjustments, headaches might persist if these other contributing factors remain unresolved.

Causes of eye strain

Even as we come to understand the other factors at play, eye strain is a real, standalone condition that can lead to pain in and around the eyes and temples that often coincide with headache symptoms.

Although most of us know what eye strain feels like, it’s important to know what specifically causes strain so we can better avoid and treat it.

Eye strain can be caused by:
- Dry eyes (blinking less while staring)
- Screen glare
- Close-up focusing distance
- Poor screen contrast or small text
- Poor lighting in the room you’re in
- Improper prescription
- Eye health disorders
How to relieve eye strain headaches

It’s often easier said than done, but relieving eye strain headaches simply means relieving the cause of your eye strain. However, if you’re using eye drops and have already adjusted your screen settings and height, but are still experiencing headaches, it may be time to examine other contributing factors that we mentioned earlier.

A physical therapist can help you identify and treat postural issues or muscle tension that might be perpetuating your head pain. In the meantime, there are a few steps to try to prevent this tension and eye strain from continuing to cause headaches.

Take regular breaks from screen work

The 20-20-20 rule remains one of the simplest strategies for preventing eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This habit gives your attention a break and encourages natural blinking.

For even better results, take a 15-minute break every two hours to step away from your screen entirely. Use this time to walk around, stretch, or perform tasks that don’t require close visual focus.

Use lubricating eye drops

Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate relief for dry eyes that may be caused by excessive staring. Apply drops before you start screen work as a preventive measure, not just when your eyes already feel dry and irritated.

Adjust your work environment for better lighting

Proper lighting can dramatically reduce how hard your eyes have to work. Position your screen perpendicular to windows to minimize glare, and ensure your room has ambient lighting that’s about one-third as bright as your screen.

Consider using a desk lamp with adjustable brightness to provide adequate task lighting without creating harsh shadows or glare. If overhead fluorescent lighting creates problems, try using warmer, softer light sources instead.

Anti-glare screen filters can also help reduce reflections and harsh light from your monitor. Many people find that slightly tilting their screen downward (10-20 degrees) helps minimize ceiling light reflections.

Check your vision prescription

For those who need vision correction with contacts or glasses, outdated or incorrect prescriptions force your eyes to work harder to achieve clear focus, greatly contributing to strain and headaches. Even small changes in your vision acuity can cause significant discomfort during extended screen use. If you haven’t had an eye exam in the past two years, schedule one to ensure your prescription is up-to-date.

Examine and improve your posture

Poor posture doesn’t just cause back or neck pain—it can directly contribute to headaches. When you slouch or crane your neck forward, your muscles bear additional, often unbalanced strain that can radiate upward as a cervicogenic headache.

Rules of thumb for proper desk ergonomics include:
- Position your monitor so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level
- Position the monitor about an arm’s length away
- Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back supported
- Keep your shoulders relaxed, not hunched up toward your ears
Personalized headache treatments in NW Washington

If you’ve tried multiple strategies to reduce eye strain and regular headaches but are still getting them, our team of Physical Therapists may be able to provide the professional guidance you need.

Discover the real culprit behind your eye strain and headaches and start on the path to total relief by calling a Whatcom Physical Therapy clinic near you or by requesting your appointment online today.
August 28, 2025
What Causes Headaches With Nausea?

A bad headache on its own can derail your day, making it hard to enjoy the plans you had, if not retiring to a dark room for relief. Add nausea to the mix, and what was already uncomfortable becomes downright debilitating.

Once the worst of these symptoms pass, you can start to look into what might be triggering headaches with nausea so you can prevent this from happening in the future. While these symptoms often occur together, they can stem from different sources. Sometimes the headache triggers the nausea, while other times both symptoms point to an underlying condition that needs attention.

Types of headaches that can cause nausea

Certain headache disorders are known to trigger both head pain and queasiness.

Migraine headaches

Migraine is perhaps the first disorder you’ll discover when Googling “headaches and nausea.” Unlike other headaches that come and go relatively simply, migraine involves complex neurological changes that affect multiple systems in your body. The same brain pathways that create the intense, throbbing pain in your head can also trigger nausea or even vomiting.

During a migraine episode, your brain releases chemicals that sensitize pain receptors and disrupt normal digestive function. Although no two migraine experiences are the same, the nausea often begins before the headache reaches its peak intensity and may persist even after the pain subsides.

Treating migraine often involves seeing a medical doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment plan that may involve certain medications or referrals to specialists, including physical therapy in some cases.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches create severe, burning pain that typically centers around one eye. These headaches occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, often striking at the same time each day for weeks or months. While nausea is a less common side effect of cluster headaches compared to migraine, these attacks can include nausea alongside their characteristic stabbing head pain.

A potential cause of cluster headache nausea is that the intense nature of the pain can overwhelm your nervous system, triggering nausea as your body responds to the extreme discomfort. Many people also experience restlessness and agitation during cluster headache episodes, which can worsen feelings of nausea.

Cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches originate in your neck but create pain that radiates to your head. Poor posture, neck injuries, or muscle tension in your neck and shoulders can compress nerves and blood vessels, leading to head pain and other symptoms. The connection between your neck and brain involves nerve pathways that may trigger nausea when disrupted.

These headaches often develop gradually and may worsen with certain neck movements or positions. The accompanying nausea tends to be milder than what occurs with migraines but can still significantly impact your daily activities.

Conditions that cause both headaches and nausea

Sometimes headaches and nausea appear together because they’re both symptoms of the same underlying problem. Recognizing these conditions can help you address the root cause rather than just treating individual symptoms.

Mental health and emotional stress

Anxiety disorders and chronic stress create physical symptoms that extend far beyond emotional discomfort. One link between a mental health disorder like anxiety and these symptoms is that when your body remains in a heightened state of alert, the effects are felt throughout your body and are often interpreted as pain or unease.

Acute panic attacks can also include both headaches and nausea among their symptoms. The intense physical response to anxiety floods your system with stress hormones that can create head pain and upset your stomach.

Finally, on the other end of the spectrum, depression can also contribute to both symptoms, particularly when it disrupts sleep patterns and eating habits.

Dehydration/heat illness

Although the pathways for what causes dehydration headaches are not clear, many people experience head pain when dehydrated. Going one step further, heat exhaustion commonly includes headaches and nausea as symptoms along with dehydration.

Respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses

Sometimes common illnesses like the flu, sinus infections, and stomach viruses cause headaches alongside the nausea you’d expect from these illnesses.

Upper respiratory infections often put pressure on the sinuses and surrounding areas, including nerves that can trigger headaches. Meanwhile, post-nasal drip and the body’s immune response to these infections contribute to stomach upset and nausea.

These symptoms typically improve as the underlying illness resolves.

Personalized headache treatment in Kansas City

As we’ve described here, the factors that play into every potential cause of headaches and nausea are wide-ranging, and what helps you find relief depends entirely on the underlying cause of your experiences.

In some cases, medication may be the most effective approach, available after getting an official diagnosis of an underlying condition like migraine disorder. However, in other cases, a more holistic approach can be incredibly valuable.

For accessible care in understanding the root causes of your symptoms, a physical therapist might be more helpful than you’d think. Our Physical Therapists are trained to evaluate subtle signs of body mechanics to identify and treat areas that are tense as a result of stress or anxiety.

If you’ve been struggling to find a solution to chronic headaches that often come with nausea, a personalized evaluation may be a helpful step in the right direction. Learn more about how we treat headache disorders at SSOR by calling a clinic near you or by requesting an appointment online today.

August 12, 2025
How Do I Stop Getting Tension Headaches?

Regular tension headaches can be a major interruption to your routine. If you’re getting headaches more than a few times per week, it may be worth having a professional evaluation to determine if something more serious is going on and to start finding relief for chronic headaches.

The good news? Most tension headaches are preventable and treatable, in some cases without relying solely on medication. Physical therapy principles may be able to help reduce the frequency and intensity of these painful episodes.

Types of headaches explained

Whether you’re just starting to research why you’re always getting headaches or have had a specific diagnosis of chronic headaches, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of this pain.

Different headaches have distinct symptoms and causes, which means they respond to different treatment approaches.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, characterized by a dull, aching pain that feels like a tight band around your head. The pain typically affects both sides of your head and may extend to your neck and shoulders. Unlike other headache types, tension headaches rarely cause nausea or sensitivity to light.

Common causes of tension headaches include stress, poor posture, eye strain, dehydration, lack of sleep, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. These headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Migraine headaches

Migraine causes intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. The condition often comes with additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience an “aura” before a migraine episode—visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots.

Migraine triggers can include hormonal changes, certain foods, bright lights, strong smells, stress, and changes in sleep patterns. Migraine symptoms typically last several hours to days if left untreated.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches cause severe, burning pain around one eye or on one side of the head. They occur in “clusters” or patterns, often at the same time each day for weeks or months, followed by headache-free periods. The affected eye may become red and watery, and the nostril on that side might become stuffy or runny.

The exact cause is unknown, but cluster headaches may be related to the body’s biological clock. Triggers can include alcohol, strong smells, and changes in sleep schedule.

Idiopathic headaches

Idiopathic headaches are by definition the ones that don’t have a clear or understood cause. Treating randomly occurring headaches often includes using medication, hydrating, resting in a dark room, or relaxing tense muscles.

Other Common Causes

Several other factors can trigger headaches, including dehydration, vision problems that require corrective lenses (or a different prescription), sinus infections, medication overuse, or underlying medical conditions.

How to relieve tension headaches

When a tension headache strikes, you don’t always need to reach for medication. Several natural methods can help you find relief and get back to your day.

Apply heat or cold therapy

A warm compress applied to your forehead, neck, or shoulders can help relax tense muscles that contribute to headache pain. Alternatively, some people find relief with a cold compress on the forehead or at the base of the skull. Experiment with both to see which works better for you.

Practice gentle stretching

Simple neck and shoulder stretches can release muscle tension that contributes to headaches. Try slowly rolling your shoulders backward, gently turning your head from side to side, or tilting your ear toward your shoulder and holding for 15-30 seconds.

Use relaxation techniques

Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation can help reduce stress and tension. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on slow, deep breaths while consciously relaxing each muscle group.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is a common headache trigger. Drink a large glass of water and continue sipping throughout the day. Adding electrolytes can be particularly helpful if you’ve been sweating or haven’t eaten much. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as these can cause other side effects that can make the headache worse.

Massage pressure points

Gently massage your temples, the base of your skull, or the area between your thumb and index finger. Apply steady, circular pressure for 30-60 seconds to help relieve tension.

How to prevent tension headaches

Prevention is often more effective than treatment when it comes to managing tension headaches. By identifying your triggers and making lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly reduce how often headaches occur.

Maintain regular sleep patterns

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times. Poor sleep or irregular sleep schedules are major headache triggers for many people.

Manage stress effectively

Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of tension headaches. Develop healthy coping strategies such as regular exercise, journaling, spending time in nature, or talking with friends and family. Consider stress management techniques like yoga or mindfulness meditation.

Improve your posture

Poor posture, especially during long periods of sitting at a computer, can create muscle tension in your neck and shoulders that leads to headaches. Set up an ergonomic workspace, take regular breaks to stretch, and be mindful of keeping your head aligned over your shoulders.

Stay properly hydrated

Dehydration is not a direct cause of headaches but might make recovering from headaches easier.

Make water your go-to beverage and aim for at least 8 glasses per day. Sipping throughout the day is more effective than drinking a lot of water in short periods. Keep a water bottle nearby as a visual reminder to drink regularly throughout the day.

Eat regular, balanced meals

Skipping meals can trigger headaches due to low blood sugar. Eat nutritious meals at regular intervals and avoid foods that you’ve identified as personal triggers.

Limit screen time and take eye breaks

Extended screen time can cause eye strain and contribute to tension headaches. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Ensure your computer screen is at eye level and your workspace is properly lit.

Headache treatments with physical therapy

Physical therapy offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to treating and preventing tension headaches by addressing underlying musculoskeletal issues that contribute to head and neck pain.

The skilled Physical Therapists at Excel Rehab & Sports can evaluate your posture, muscle tension patterns, and movement habits to identify specific factors contributing to your headaches.

Treatment may include manual therapy techniques to release muscle tension, exercises to strengthen weak muscles and relax tight ones, and education about proper ergonomics and posture.

Physical therapy is particularly effective for tension headaches because it addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. Many patients experience significant improvement in headache frequency and intensity through targeted exercises and lifestyle modifications.

Take the Next Step Toward Headache Relief

Don’t let tension headaches control your life. While the ideas outlined above can provide relief for some, working with healthcare professionals can give you a personalized treatment plan for long-term headache prevention.

Learn more about how physical therapy may be able to help you by calling an Excel Rehab & Sports clinic near you or by requesting your first appointment online today.

August 6, 2025
Why Do I Keep Getting Headaches?
If you’ve been plagued with repeated headaches, you may be starting to feel frustrated that they keep happening no matter what you do to avoid them or treat them. Many people experience headaches for specific reasons that can be remedied by reducing eye strain, staying hydrated, or taking over-the-counter medication, but when these simple fixes stop working, you’re left in pain with no idea how to feel better.

One medical term for what you may be experiencing is chronic daily headaches—even if you don’t literally get them every day. Chronic headaches can come and go, meaning you have some days without a headache, or they can last for more than 24 hours at a time.

Several types of medical professionals can help you diagnose the condition and discover the right treatment plan to find lasting relief, including physical therapy.

What causes chronic daily headaches?

Daily headaches—defined as occurring more than 15 days per month over a 3-month period—can be caused by a number of factors. Some causes of headache symptoms can even resist the treatments that worked for you last week, which is why finally understanding the underlying cause is key to getting lasting relief.

We’ll go through a few common causes of chronic headaches, while acknowledging that everyone has a different experience and will benefit from their own personalized treatment plan.

Migraine

Migraine is more than just a bad headache. It’s a standalone condition that results in distinct but varying symptoms often marked by intense throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. As migraine sufferers know, no two episodes are alike, and may come with additional symptoms such as:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual disturbances, often called “aura”
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
Migraine can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, bright lights, or even certain foods. If migraine is the cause of your repeated headaches, physical therapy may help identify certain musculoskeletal triggers.

Rebound headaches

One of the trickiest parts of dealing with headaches repeatedly is that not all headache treatments continue working in the long term. For instance, overusing over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches can backfire, causing rebound headaches. These are headaches that recur or come back stronger when medication wears off, prompting you to take more, creating a vicious cycle.

Signs of rebound headaches include:
- Headaches that worsen after medication
- Symptoms that strike early in the morning
- Relief only with more medication
Breaking this cycle may require specialist intervention.

Cervicogenic headaches

One simple cause that may go unnoticed as you try to self-diagnose is your body mechanics. Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the neck. Poor posture, muscle tension, or injuries in the cervical spine often trigger this type of headache. These headaches are commonly characterized by:
- Pain starting at the back of the head and radiating to the front
- Stiff neck or limited neck movement
- Pain that worsens after holding certain neck positions
Holding a posture like hunching or craning your neck and shoulders at a desk is a common cause of cervicogenic headaches. And it’s not just your desk ergonomics—looking down for hours while working in the kitchen, weeding the garden, or other tedious tasks can also be a cause of tension and overworked cervical vertebrae.

Physical therapy is often highly effective at relieving chronic pain, including headaches, from these types of causes.

Head injury

If you’ve experienced even a mild head injury, constant headaches could be a lingering symptom of the trauma. These post-traumatic headaches might feel similar to migraine or tension headaches and can persist long after the injury has healed.

Recognizing your headaches may be due to a former injury is critical, as traumatic brain injuries, even mild ones, can require tailored treatment to manage symptoms effectively.

Treating headaches through physical therapy techniques

For those experiencing chronic or recurring headaches, physical therapy can be a powerful and often overlooked treatment option that doesn’t rely on medication. When treating something like headache or neck pain, our Physical Therapists at Excel don’t just address the symptoms; they target the root cause to ease pain now and prevent future occurrences.

A few physical therapy techniques may be used to help with chronic headache treatment:
- Postural changes
- Stress-release stretches and/or exercises
- Biofeedback therapy
Your headaches may be the only symptom we treat, or we may find an underlying condition that is causing or worsening your headaches after an evaluation. This is why we can’t say for certain what types of techniques we will use to treat headaches, since everyone’s health and experiences are different.

Make an appointment to feel better at Excel Sports and PT

Chronic headaches don’t have to rule your life. At Excel Sports and Physical Therapy, we’re ready to help you find effective solutions and reclaim your days headache-free.

Schedule your appointment today by calling a clinic near you or by requesting one online and start your journey toward lasting relief. Together, we can get to the root of your headaches and make sure they’re a thing of the past.
July 25, 2025
How to Get Rid of Headaches Behind Your Eyes
Almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life. Sometimes they’re a passing annoyance. Other times, they can force you to halt your plans for the day and retreat to a dark, quiet space to recover. Among the various types of headaches you might experience, some have distinct symptoms that feel as if the pain is coming from right behind your eyes. Whether it’s throbbing, pulsating, or just constantly there, this type of headache can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible.

The good news? Understanding your symptoms is the first step to finding relief. Pain behind the eyes can be caused by different factors, and the right treatment approach often depends on its root cause.

What does a headache behind the eyes feel like?

Not all headaches behind the eyes feel the same. And it’s important to understand your symptoms because they can be a clue about what’s going on beneath the surface. Here are some common ways headache pain behind the eyes might present itself:
- Pain in the center of your head
- Focused pain behind just one eye (left or right)
- Throbbing pain that feels like a pulsing sensation
- Constant pain that lingers throughout the day
- Frontal or deep pressure around the eyes
Whether you have a headache behind your left eye or a persistent, pulsating headache behind your eyes, decoding the type of pain can point you in the direction of the best treatment approach.

Types of headaches

Each type of headache can have a distinct set of causes and symptoms. While pain behind the eyes doesn’t necessarily indicate a single type of headache, several types can lead to this symptom. Here’s a breakdown of a few possible culprits and how to address them:

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are among the most commonly diagnosed types of headache. They create a dull, aching pain that can affect any part of the head, including the area behind the eyes. These headaches are often caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle strain in the neck or shoulders.

How to treat tension headaches:
- Gently massage the temples or upper neck
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
- Seek physical therapy to release tight muscles and improve neutral posture
Cluster headaches

Experiencing sharp, searing pain behind just one eye that comes in waves? You might be dealing with a cluster headache. These headaches are incredibly intense, short-lived headaches that repeat frequently over a few weeks or months (hence the name “cluster”).

How to treat cluster headaches:
- Avoid known triggers such as alcohol or specific types of food
- Consult a specialist if the episodes are frequent or disruptive
Sinus Headaches

If your headache comes with pressure around your eyes, nose, or cheeks, along with symptoms like nasal congestion, your headache may be due to a problem in your sinuses. Sinus inflammation is often caused by allergies or infections.

How to treat sinus headaches:
- Use a saline nasal spray or humidifier to relieve congestion
- Try over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines
- Seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms in addition to headaches
Migraine behind the eyes

Migraine often creates a pulsating headache behind the eyes. These debilitating headaches are typically accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances.

Tips on treating migraine:
- Ask your primary care provider or migraine specialist about medication
- Identify and avoid triggers such as certain foods, stressors, or environments
- Consider physical therapy to manage muscular tension that can aggravate migraine
Help treating headaches behind the eyes

While over-the-counter medications are many people’s first treatment option for headaches, this isn’t always ideal for long-term pain management. Physical therapy might be able to help in the short and long term to relieve headache causes without the need for medication.

Physical therapy can address underlying issues like muscle tension, poor posture, or even nerve irritation that might be causing your headaches. A skilled Continuum Physical Therapist can guide you through specific exercises, stretches, and massages designed to:
- Relieve tension in the neck and shoulders
- Improve blood flow to the head and eyes
- Correct posture to reduce muscle exertion
By identifying and focusing on the root cause of your headaches, treatment with a physical therapist offers a safe route to sustained relief.

Find headache relief in Arizona

Not all headaches are the same–some are minor annoyances whereas others can ruin your whole week. If you’re sick of the throbbing, sharp, chronic pain behind your eyes, it’s worth getting an evaluation to see what might help relieve your pain sustainably.

The physical therapists at Continuum Wellness are here to help you live a more full life with less pain using holistic physical therapy principles. Learn more about our methods to treat specific types of headaches by calling our physical therapy clinic in Apache Junction or by requesting an appointment online today.
July 9, 2025
Top of Head Headache: Treatments and Causes
Headaches are an all-too-common part of life for many of us, often feeling like they’re coming from behind the eyes or above our jaw muscles that might be a little clenched. But sometimes they peak right at the top of the skull in a painful condition known as top of head headaches, skullcap headaches, or vertex headaches.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, remedies, and prevention strategies for headaches in general, and top of head headaches in particular, can help you manage and reduce this pain effectively.

What causes headaches?

Headaches can come on for a number of reasons, but when you’re experiencing top of head pain every week or more often, you may be able to find a pattern with your activities or environment that triggers the condition.

Common causes for headaches, including vertex headaches, include the following.

Tension and stress

Tension headaches are one of the most common causes of all kinds of headaches. Stress can lead to muscle tightness in the scalp, neck, and shoulders, which can radiate upward to create pain at the crown of your head.

Poor posture

Working long hours at a desk or hunching over a phone can strain the muscles around your neck and upper back, contributing to pain on top of the head. Poor posture can also compress nerves, worsening the discomfort.

Underlying disorders

Some sufferers of headaches have underlying conditions that make the condition more likely to recur. Seeing your primary care provider for regular, recurring headaches despite at-home interventions might reveal the root cause of the pain.

How can I treat headache pain on top of head?

Poor posture and tension are key drivers of headache pain that builds up over time. Finding ways to relax specific parts of your neck, shoulders, and head can help relieve headaches, especially if you know exactly where these muscles are located.

Muscles that cause top of head headaches

When looking for an effective way to get rid of and prevent a painful headache, there are two key muscle groups to keep in mind: suboccipital muscles and splenius muscles.

Suboccipital muscles

The suboccipital muscles are a group of four muscles in your neck. They connect the top two vertebrae of the spine to the bottom of the skull. These muscles are responsible for turning your head to one side or the other, such as when you look over your shoulder. They also allow the head to be tilted to the side.

Carrying tension in these muscles can cause a headache on top of your head, and this tension can build up in several ways. Postures and repetitive head movements such as holding a phone against your shoulder for long periods of time can strain these muscles.

Splenius muscles

The splenius muscles are a second group of four neck muscles that can cause headaches on top of the head. They are comprised of two splenius cervicis muscles and two splenius capitis muscles.

These muscles run up the sides of the neck from between the shoulder blades to just below the skull. They are responsible for several types of movement, including extending the neck when looking down and twisting the neck. These muscles also help support the neck and the weight of the head.

There are several factors that can lead to increased splenius muscle tension and skullcap headaches. For instance, they may be damaged from playing contact sports or whiplash. Consistently poor neck posture can also increase the tension in these muscles.

Treating headaches without medication

Many people instinctively reach for over-the-counter painkillers when they feel a headache coming on, but when these don’t work, or if you’re worried you may be relying too much on medication, the principles of physical therapy can help.

Relaxation techniques

Stress reduction throughout the day can help reduce the severity of tension headaches. Techniques include:
- Deep breathing: Breathe slowly and deeply to relax your body.
- Meditation and yoga: These practices combine mindfulness and gentle movement to release tension.
Apply heat or cold
- Cold compress: Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the top of your head to reduce inflammation and numb the area slightly.
- Warm compress: Apply heat to loosen tight neck and shoulder muscles contributing to the pain.
Stay hydrated

Drink water immediately if dehydration could be the culprit. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day and avoid caffeine and alcohol when you’re experiencing a headache, since these diuretics can worsen dehydration-related headaches.

Stretch and move

Stand up, stretch, and gently rotate your neck and shoulders to release tension:
- Perform mini stretches during prolonged desk work to prevent stiffness.
- Try relaxing exercises like shoulder rolls or chin tucks.
Adjust your environment

Bright lights or noisy surroundings can exacerbate headaches. Dim the lights, close your eyes, and rest in a quiet area when you can.

Personalized headache treatments at Rehab Access Physical Therapy

With a little awareness, you can make small, manageable changes today, and start feeling the relief that’s within reach. But if you’ve tried everything and still can’t get rid of the top of head pain that disrupts your routine day in and day out, our physical therapists may be able to help.

Start a conversation with our team about the principles of physical therapy that might finally make the difference in your headache treatment by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
June 24, 2025
Two common causes of chronic headaches
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50% of adults experience at least one headache per year. The same report also notes that up to 4% of adults worldwide experience headaches on 15 or more days every month. If you’re dealing with headaches that are this frequent, then you have what are known as chronic headaches.

There are many factors that can cause a person to have chronic headaches, but there are two common causes that respond particularly well to physical therapy.

1. Poor posture

The number of workers who do their job while seated at a computer is continuing to grow every year. However, this type of work can lead to poor posture, and this is one of the most common causes of chronic headaches.

There are many ways that an office job can lead to poor neck and head posture. For instance, your computer screen may not be positioned correctly. Looking down at a computer screen for multiple hours every day can create poor neck posture, and this can cause almost daily headaches. Also, just the act of sitting for long periods of time can lead to neck posture issues. This is why you should get up and move around at least once every hour when your job requires a lot of sitting.

2. Muscle tension

Another issue that commonly causes chronic headaches is neck muscle tension. Neck muscles are important for holding your head in the correct posture. They’re also vital for almost every movement you make with your head and neck.

However, tension in your neck muscles can lead to almost daily headaches. This tension may be the result of several factors. For one thing, mental stress from work or life issues can cause a build-up of tension in the neck muscles. Sports injuries that affect the neck can also create painful tension in the neck muscles. Also, car accident injuries such as whiplash can damage the neck muscles and increase tension.

Franklin Rehabilitation can help treat the cause of your chronic headaches

At Franklin Rehabilitation’s clinics in Franklin, Wisconsin, our team can help treat many of the issues that cause chronic headaches. To begin your treatment, we’ll first perform a one-on-one evaluation to figure out the root cause of your headaches. Our team will then build you a personalized treatment plan to target the cause of your head pain, and this plan may include physical therapy techniques such as:
- Dry needling
- Ergonomic recommendations
- Targeted strengthening exercises
- Therapeutic stretches
- Electrical stimulation
- Manual therapy
Our plans are designed to offer many benefits to patients suffering from chronic headaches. For example, your plan is intended to help reduce pain and muscle tension. These plans are also designed to help decrease the frequency of your chronic head pain, and they may even help you avoid painful headaches in the future.
Take the next step to find relief from the pain of chronic headaches. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
June 19, 2025
Why Do I Get Headaches at the Base of my Skull and Neck?
Headaches are a near-daily frustration for many people around the world. And although there are many different reasons you might be experiencing regular headache symptoms, the location and type of headache pain can sometimes provide clues to the underlying cause. If you frequently deal with headaches at the base of your skull and neck, understanding the specifics of your symptoms could be the key to finding relief.

Cervicogenic headaches

One type of headache that commonly originates at the base of the skull and the neck is called a cervicogenic headache. Unlike other types of headaches that primarily stem from eye strain, vestibular disorders, or conditions affecting the blood flow in the brain, cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck that can refer pain to the back of your head.

Cervicogenic headaches can be challenging to identify, as their symptoms often overlap with other types of headaches. Common signs include:
- Pain centered at the base of the skull or back of the neck
- A dull, throbbing sensation that can radiate toward the head or temples
- Stiffness or tension in the neck
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Pain that worsens with specific movements or postures
These headaches often have a trigger related to neck or spinal musculoskeletal issues that make them unique compared to other headache types.

What causes headaches in the back of the head?

The muscles, joints, and nerves in your neck and shoulders play a critical role in how your head and spine function. When these areas are tense, strained, or misaligned, they can lead to pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the back of the head.

Tension headaches

If you spend a significant portion of your day in tension-inducing postures, like hunching over a desk or craning your head forward to look at a screen, tension can build in the muscles at the base of your skull, neck, and shoulders. Even jaw clenching or grinding your teeth can contribute to frequent headaches.

Over time, this tension can compress nearby nerves, leading to persistent pain that manifests as headaches.

Dehydration

Dehydration, though often overlooked, is a surprisingly common contributor to headaches. When your body lacks sufficient water, blood volume decreases, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to your brain. This can trigger pain, particularly in areas like the back of your head.

Similarly, conditions like chronic fatigue or poor sleep can increase the frequency and severity of headaches.

Other causes

Many different conditions, affecting the head or the entire body, can contribute to your experience of headaches on a regular basis. Something as simple as uncorrected vision can cause eye strain that leads to headaches, in addition to the following:
- Migraine symptoms that may start at the base of the skull
- Poor posture leading to misalignment and strain in the upper spine
- Arthritis causing pain in the neck that radiates to the head
- Occipital neuralgia, a condition where nerves running from your spinal cord to your scalp become inflamed
Treating cervicogenic headaches

The most effective way to treat headaches that occur at the base of the skull and neck is to address the underlying causes. As we’ve already mentioned, that will look different for everyone due to the number of widely varying causes of headaches.

If you’ve narrowed down your headache symptoms to tension in your jaw, neck, or shoulders, consider two things in addition to making an appointment with a physical therapist who can help you further:
- Posture improvement: Practice sitting and standing with good posture. Keep your head aligned with your neck and avoid prolonged screen time without breaks.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Optimize your workspace by adjusting monitor height and incorporating a supportive chair to reduce unnecessary strain on your shoulders and neck.
Physical therapy may be helpful to identify postures, habits, and other conditions that might be affecting your daily life. Physical therapy exercises can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and strengthen weak muscles that other muscles overcompensate for.

Personalized headache treatment through physical therapy

Few things are as disruptive as recurring headaches, but the good news is that you don’t have to live with them forever. With the right care and guidance, most headaches at the base of the skull and neck can be effectively managed.

At Alves and Martinez Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals pinpoint the root causes of their tension and develop tailored plans that bring lasting relief. If your headaches are holding you back, we’re here to help. Start a conversation with our team by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
June 5, 2025