Most of us know what it feels like to have a headache, but for some people, they can become a regular and frustrating part of life. While medication may bring short-term relief, headaches often have underlying triggers that need to be addressed. Many of these triggers can be found in the neck, shoulders, and even the jaw – and this is where physiotherapy can make a real difference.
A recent global review found that more than half of people experience a headache disorder every year. Tension-type headaches are the most common, affecting about a quarter of the population, while migraines impact around 14%. These numbers show just how widespread the problem is and why treatment that goes beyond painkillers is so important.
Understanding different types of headaches
Because not all headaches are the same, knowing the difference can help guide the right treatment:
- Tension-type headaches: A dull, “tight band” pressure around the head, often linked to stress, posture, or muscle tension.
- Cervicogenic headaches: Pain that begins in the neck and spreads into the head, usually on one side. Neck movements or certain postures often make them worse.
- Migraines: Intense, throbbing headaches that can include nausea, light sensitivity, or even visual changes.
Why the neck and posture matter
There are a few reasons why headaches can begin in the neck or surrounding areas:
- Neck and shoulder tension
Tight or overworked muscles in the upper neck and shoulders can irritate nerves and create referred pain that radiates into the head. - Posture problems
Hours spent in front of a computer or looking down at a phone place constant strain on the spine. Over time, this poor alignment, often called “tech neck”, can lead to persistent headaches. - Jaw issues
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can create muscle tension that spreads upwards into the head.
If these areas are not moving well or carrying too much strain, headaches can become more frequent and harder to manage.
Headache relief through physiotherapy
Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive approach to managing headaches, particularly those associated with tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw. At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, we use different treatment plans to relieve headaches, including:
- Manual therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilisation, ease stiff joints and release tight muscles.
- Dry needling: Targeted insertion of fine needles into tight muscles (trigger points) helps reduce tension and improve muscle function. A study by Vázquez-Justes et al. (2020) found that dry needling effectively reduces headache-related disability and improves cervical range of motion in patients with tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
- Posture correction: Practical advice and adjustments to reduce strain from prolonged sitting and poor posture, especially with screen use.
- Home exercises: Strengthening and stretching routines support neck and shoulder stability, improve alignment, and reduce headache recurrence.
- Education and advice: Guidance on managing flare-ups, avoiding triggers, and incorporating daily habits that protect the neck and shoulders empowers patients to take control of their headaches.
When to see a doctor
Physiotherapy can help to relieve the pain, but urgently seek medical care if your headache is:
- Sudden and severe
- Accompanied by fever, vision changes, confusion, or weakness
- The result of a head injury
- Different from the pattern you usually experience
Don’t break your head! We can help you with your headache. Click here to schedule an appointment at Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy.
