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CONDITION · CERVICOGENIC & TENSION
Headache physio in Brisbane.
Persistent headaches that begin in the neck, build through the day at a screen, or arrive alongside jaw tension and shoulder tightness may have a musculoskeletal component. Our team uses an evidence-based approach to assess and help manage cervicogenic and tension-type headaches at our Sumner clinic.
AT A GLANCE
Information shown is general and not a substitute for assessment. Your physiotherapist will discuss your specific presentation at your initial appointment.
COMMON SIGNS
Symptoms you may recognise.
If two or more of these apply to you, an assessment is a sensible next step.
Pain from neck to head
Starting at the base of the skull and radiating forward
Band-like pressure
Tightening or heaviness around the head
Pain behind eyes / temples
Deep ache behind the eyes or in the temple regions
Triggered by neck movement
Or by sustained postures (driving, screen work)
Neck & shoulder tension
Upper trapezius tightness and tenderness
One-sided or bilateral
Cervicogenic often one-sided; tension often both sides
COMMON DRIVERS
Why it might be happening.
The cervical spine and surrounding musculature can be significant contributors to recurring headaches.
CAUSE 01
Cervical spine dysfunction
Stiffness or irritation of the upper cervical joints (C1, C2, C3) drives cervicogenic headaches. The upper cervical joints share neural pathways with structures in the head, allowing neck pain to be perceived as headache.
CAUSE 02
Muscle tension
Prolonged tension in the upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles and levator scapulae — driven by posture, stress or overload — contributes to tension-type headaches.
CAUSE 03
Posture & screen use
Forward-head posture during prolonged computer or phone use increases load on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles, contributing to both neck pain and headache.
CAUSE 04
Jaw clenching (TMJ)
The TMJ and upper cervical spine are closely related anatomically. Jaw clenching or bruxism — often stress-related — can contribute to headaches and facial pain.
When to seek urgent care
Some headache features warrant immediate medical attention rather than a physio assessment. Please attend an emergency department if you experience:
- A sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache (worst headache of your life)
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash or photophobia (suspected meningitis)
- Headache with vision changes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness
- Headache following a head injury, with confusion or vomiting
- New headache pattern with progressive worsening
- Headache with unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fever
OUR APPROACH
How physiotherapy may help.
A three-stage approach — assess, treat, then build long-term resilience.
1
Assess
A structured assessment to determine whether your headaches have a cervical or musculoskeletal component.
- Cervical movement testing
- Upper cervical joint assessment
- Craniocervical flexion test (CCFT)
- Muscle tenderness & postural analysis
2
Treat
An evidence-based plan tailored to the headache pattern identified — combining manual therapy with targeted exercise.
- Manual therapy & joint mobilisation
- Dry needling for trigger points
- Deep cervical neck flexor strengthening
- Postural & workplace ergonomics
3
Manage
Progressive program to address the contributing factors and build the postural endurance to reduce headache frequency and intensity.
- Home exercise program
- Workstation modifications
- Self-management strategies
- Co-management with GP if needed
RELATED CONDITIONS
Physiotherapy may help manage cervicogenic headaches (those arising from the neck) and tension-type headaches, which have a musculoskeletal component that can be addressed through manual therapy, exercise, and postural correction. Migraines are a neurological condition with a different mechanism — physiotherapy is not a primary treatment for migraine, though it may help manage cervical contributors that can trigger or worsen migrainous episodes. If you have frequent or severe headaches, we recommend discussing these with your GP to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management.
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine — specifically from the joints, muscles, or nerves of the upper neck. The pain typically starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward. It may be accompanied by neck stiffness and can be reproduced by specific neck movements. Physiotherapy assessment can determine whether your headaches have a cervical component.
For cervicogenic and tension headaches with a musculoskeletal component, our physiotherapists use manual therapy techniques (joint mobilisation, soft tissue work), dry needling for muscle tension, cervical strengthening exercises, and postural education. Treatment is targeted at the specific structures contributing to your headache pattern, identified during your assessment.
If your headaches are sudden and severe, are accompanied by fever, stiff neck, vision changes, slurred speech, or weakness, you should seek urgent medical attention. For ongoing or recurring headaches, a GP assessment to establish a diagnosis is recommended before commencing physiotherapy, particularly if headaches are frequent, progressive, or significantly affecting your quality of life.