Headaches and Neck Pain: How Physio Can Help

Headaches and Neck Pain: How Physiotherapy Can Help

Headaches and neck pain are a frustrating combination that can seriously impact your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy life. Many people try painkillers or rest, but these approaches often only provide short-term relief. At Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic, we focus on getting to the root cause and providing long-lasting solutions through physiotherapy.

Understanding the Connection Between Headaches and Neck Pain

One of the most common types of headache related to neck issues is the cervicogenic headache. This type of headache starts in the neck and is usually caused by joint stiffness, poor posture, or muscle tension in the upper cervical spine. Symptoms often include:

Pain on one side of the head or face
Neck stiffness or reduced movement
Pain that gets worse with certain neck positions or sustained postures

Another frequent issue is the tension-type headache. This feels like a band of tightness around the head and is usually linked to:

Stress and muscle tension
Prolonged screen time or desk work
Poor ergonomics

In some cases, neck pain may also trigger migraine headaches or make them more frequent.

Common Causes of Headache and Neck Pain

Forward head posture (looking down at phones and laptops)
Weak neck and upper back muscles
Prolonged sitting without proper support
Previous neck injuries
Poor workstation setup
Stress-related muscle tension

If left untreated, these factors can create a cycle of pain and stiffness that worsens over time.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Our physiotherapists at Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic use individualised treatment plans that target both the symptoms and the source of your headaches and neck pain. Here’s how we can help:

1. Manual Therapy

Joint mobilisations to improve neck mobility
Soft tissue massage to release muscle tightness
Trigger point therapy to reduce referred pain

Manual therapy has been shown to reduce headache frequency and intensity by improving neck range of movement and decreasing muscle tension.

2. Targeted Exercises

Strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder stability
Postural correction exercises (e.g., chin tucks)
Stretches to improve flexibility and release tight muscles

Specific exercises have a proven role in reducing chronic headaches and are tailored to your posture and lifestyle.

3. Postural and Ergonomic Advice

Desk setup adjustments to reduce neck strain
Practical tips for phone and laptop use
Education on sitting, standing, and movement habits

4. Stress and Tension Management

Breathing techniques
Advice on stretching breaks during the workday
Relaxation strategies to manage muscle tension

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

You should book an appointment if:

Headaches persist for more than a few weeks
Headaches worsen with neck movement or poor posture
You experience neck stiffness, clicking, or restricted movement
Headaches are impacting your ability to work, sleep, or exercise

Early intervention is key. Physiotherapy can help prevent these symptoms from becoming chronic and significantly improve your quality of life.

Why Choose Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic?

At Malvern Physiotherapy Clinic, our experienced physiotherapists:
✔️ Provide evidence-based treatment
✔️ Tailor exercises and manual therapy to your unique condition
✔️ Offer practical advice to prevent headaches from returning

We work with you to build strength, improve posture, and reduce pain for long-term results.