It may not be easy to answer this question unless you know something about the goals of physical therapy. In general, physical therapists seek to help improve your ability to move, your flexibility and your strength. These are all goals that can benefit people who need cervicogenic headache treatment. 

What are cervicogenic headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by pain that radiates into the head from the neck, or cervical spine. They’re also called neck-based headaches. The pain of these headaches typically starts at the back of the neck. It then travels around one side of the head before settling in your forehead and around your eyes. Medical research reveals that up to 20% of all the headaches experienced worldwide are cervicogenic headaches. 

Four reasons you should use physical therapy for your cervicogenic headache treatment

There are many treatment options that people can use to treat cervicogenic headaches. For many people, physical therapy is one of the more effective treatment options. Some reasons you may want to try physical therapy-based cervicogenic headache treatment include: 

1. It can address the root cause of your headaches — Physical therapists can determine what neck issue is the source of your headaches. They can then take steps to treat this issue, which may include problems like: 

• Neck muscle strains
• Herniated cervical discs
• Whiplash
• Cervical osteoarthritis
• Pinched cervical nerves

2. It can help realign your neck — A neck that’s out of alignment can lead to a host of painful issues and can trigger neck-based headaches. Physical therapists can use a manual therapy technique called spinal manipulation to help realign your neck. In turn, your realigned neck will be less likely to cause pain that radiates into your head. 

3. It can improve cervical spine support — There are 26 muscles that support the cervical spine. Weakness and tension in these muscles make them easier to injure. It can also lead to neck misalignment and other neck problems that can trigger neck-based headaches.

Your physical therapist can show you how to do therapeutic exercises that target your neck muscles. Some of these exercises seek to increase flexibility in tight muscles, and others can help improve strength in weaker neck muscles. 

4. It can reduce the risk of future headaches — By making your neck stronger and more flexible, a physical therapist can help prevent future neck problems. These specialists can also show you how to improve your head and neck posture. Fewer neck problems and improved posture can translate into fewer cervicogenic headaches in the future. 

Rehab Access offers treatment for your cervicogenic headaches

Struggling with frequent cervicogenic headaches? Rehab Access Physical Therapy has a team of experts who can help you find effective headache treatment. We can pinpoint the root cause of your headaches by doing a free screening on your neck. After that, our physical therapists can create a therapy plan that specifically fits your condition and specific recovery needs. 

Contact our team today for more information about our treatment options for headaches or to schedule your initial appointment.