Tension Headaches and Neck Pain: How Physical Therapy Helps

Many headaches stem from neck stiffness, jaw tension, and prolonged desk posture.

At Arsenal Performance & Rehabilitation in Columbia, MD, we evaluate cervical spine mobility, posture, and muscular contributors to reduce headache frequency.

What Causes Tension Headaches?

• Forward head posture

• Upper trapezius tension

• Jaw clenching

• Poor breathing mechanics

• Cervical joint stiffness

How Physical Therapy Reduces Headaches

Treatment may include:

Manual Therapy

Improving joint mobility.

Postural Re-Education

Reducing chronic strain.

Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening

Improving endurance.

Stress & Habit Modification

Addressing contributing behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tension Headaches

Can neck problems cause headaches?

Yes. Cervicogenic headaches originate from neck structures.

Can PT reduce chronic headaches?

Many patients experience significant improvement.

Are posture and headaches related?

Yes. Prolonged forward head posture increases strain.

When should I see a PT for headaches?

If headaches are frequent, posture-related, or accompanied by neck pain.