Physical therapy isn’t usually the first thing people think of when dealing with headaches—most often, reaching for pain-relief medication is the go-to solution. While medications may offer short-term relief, they don’t provide the lasting benefits that physical therapy can deliver, especially if you experience frequent headaches or migraines.

The majority of headaches are cervicogenic, meaning they originate from issues in the neck. Factors like poor posture, stress, and muscle strain can weaken or injure the neck muscles and joints, causing pain that radiates up into the scalp, sides of the head, and even the forehead, depending on which part of the neck is affected.

If you’re in Tower City, PA and struggle with headaches, you’re far from alone. About 80-90% of people in the U.S. experience occasional or frequent tension headaches, which are among the top three most common sources of pain worldwide. Whether your headaches are temporary or chronic, such as migraines, physical therapy at Snyder Physical Therapy can help.

Request your appointment today and start your journey toward lasting headache relief!

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How Can Physical Therapy Help My Headache?

If you’re struggling with headaches, reach out to our physical therapy clinic in Tower City, PA today. At Snyder Physical Therapy, we are committed to offering the most effective treatments tailored to your headache needs.

During your first appointment, one of our expert physical therapists will perform a thorough physical evaluation and discuss your health history and symptoms in detail. This helps us identify the type of headache you have and pinpoint the source of your pain.

From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan designed to support your recovery and reduce your headache symptoms.

What type of headache am I experiencing?

Many people may not know this, but there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from different causes. The three main types of headaches include:

Cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are related to neck pain, involving the top three vertebrae of the neck. These headaches can develop as a result of certain conditions, such as a concussion or arthritis, but work-related strain can also trigger a cervicogenic headache. Professions that require a down-turned motion of the head or neck are the most prone for developing cervicogenic headaches. This may include hairdressers, long-haul drivers, chefs, nail artists, jewelers, etc.

Musculoskeletal headaches

Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there are significant amounts of tension in the neck. This is typically a result of physical imbalances, weaknesses, or damage, although emotional tension (such as stress) can also be a contributing factor. A traumatic injury to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. With neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck can become torn or strained. This can lead to agonizing pain felt in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.

Tension headaches

The most common form of headaches are known as tension headaches. These can occur due to repetitive motions or poor posture in the neck/head. Tension headaches are caused by a strain on the “dura mater,” which is a sensitive membrane that envelops the brain. The dura mater lies in close proximity to small muscles at the base of the skull that go into spasm when the dura mater becomes strained, thus sending pain signals to the brain and causing your headache.

How Can I Get Started on Relieving My Headaches?

At Snyder Physical Therapy, our headache treatments focus on reducing pain, improving your posture, and strengthening the muscles in your neck and upper back. These approaches work together to make your daily life more comfortable and help reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.

To begin your journey toward headache relief, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists in Tower City, PA. We proudly provide expert headache care for patients in nearby communities including Williamstown, Dayton, and Elizabethville, PA.