Physiotherapy conditions

Headaches & Migraines

If your headaches keep coming back despite medication, the cause may be in your neck. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for cervicogenic and tension-type headaches.

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Understanding Headaches & Migraines

A significant proportion of recurrent headaches — particularly those associated with neck stiffness, screen use, or sustained postures — are cervicogenic in origin, meaning they arise from dysfunction in the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. Physiotherapy is uniquely positioned to treat these headaches because it addresses the underlying mechanical drivers rather than just managing symptoms. At Sera Spine & Rehab, our physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific cervical levels, muscles, and postural patterns contributing to your headaches, then build a treatment plan that targets each one.

Root causes

What causes headaches & migraines?

Cervical Joint Dysfunction

Restricted or irritated joints at the upper cervical levels (C1–C3) have a direct neurological connection to the trigeminal nerve, reliably producing headache symptoms that physiotherapy joint mobilisation can resolve.

Deep Neck Flexor Weakness

Weakness in the deep neck flexors — the muscles responsible for maintaining cervical alignment — is consistently found in people with cervicogenic headaches. Targeted strengthening is a core part of physiotherapy treatment.

Muscle Trigger Points

Active trigger points in the upper trapezius, suboccipitals, sternocleidomastoid, and temporalis muscles refer pain in patterns that mimic tension headaches. Dry needling and manual therapy address these directly.

Forward Head Posture

Sustained forward head posture from desk work and screen use creates the joint restriction and muscle tension that drives cervicogenic headaches. Postural retraining is an essential component of physiotherapy management.

Thoracic Stiffness

Stiffness in the thoracic spine forces compensatory movement at the cervical levels, contributing to the joint irritation that drives headaches. Thoracic mobilisation is often a key part of treatment.

Stress & Jaw Tension

Psychological stress causes unconscious clenching of the jaw and neck muscles. TMJ dysfunction and bruxism are common contributors to chronic headache that physiotherapy can assess and address.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Recurrent headaches occurring more than twice per week
Pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward over the head
One-sided head pain, often on the same side as neck stiffness
Headaches that worsen with sustained neck postures, screen use, or driving
Associated neck stiffness or restricted rotation
Headaches that are partially relieved by moving the neck or applying pressure to the base of the skull
Sensitivity to light or sound during severe episodes
Headaches that respond poorly to pain medication alone

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats headaches & migraines

Physiotherapy

Cervical and thoracic joint mobilisation, deep neck flexor strengthening, postural retraining, and dry needling address the specific mechanical drivers of your headaches. Many patients see a significant reduction in frequency within 4–6 sessions.

Myotherapy

Trigger point therapy and dry needling targeting the upper trapezius, suboccipitals, and sternocleidomastoid release the muscular tension that refers pain into the head — often the missing piece for patients who have tried other treatments.

Chiropractic

Specific cervical adjustments restore joint mobility and reduce the nerve irritation that drives cervicogenic headaches, complementing the exercise and postural work of physiotherapy.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Building the endurance of the deep neck flexors and improving thoracic mobility reduces the structural load that perpetuates cervicogenic headaches long-term.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A detailed headache history: frequency, duration, location, triggers, associated symptoms, and current medication use.
2
Cervical and thoracic assessment including range of motion, joint mobility testing, deep neck flexor strength, and postural analysis.
3
A clear explanation of your headache type and the specific factors driving it — many patients find this alone is enormously reassuring.
4
Hands-on treatment in your first appointment targeting the identified contributors — joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, or dry needling.
5
A management plan including treatment, a home exercise program, and practical advice on triggers, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?

Key signs include headaches that start at the base of the skull, are associated with neck stiffness, worsen with sustained postures, or are consistently one-sided. A physiotherapy assessment will clarify this and identify the specific contributing factors.

Can physiotherapy help with migraines?

Physiotherapy is not a cure for migraine, but it can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of episodes for many people — particularly when cervical dysfunction or muscle tension is a contributing trigger. We will be honest with you about what to expect for your specific presentation.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to book directly. If you are claiming through Medicare's Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, your GP will need to provide a referral. We accept all major private health funds.

I have been taking pain medication daily — is that a problem?

Frequent use of pain medication (more than 2–3 days per week) can cause medication overuse headache, which perpetuates the cycle. Addressing the underlying mechanical cause through physiotherapy is the most effective long-term strategy for breaking this pattern.