Where headaches come from
Not every headache starts in the head. With tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, the neck and shoulders play a big role:
- overloaded neck and trapezius muscles from computer or phone use,
- trigger points that refer pain to the temples, forehead or behind the eye,
- a stiff cervical and thoracic spine and a forward head posture,
- stress, jaw clenching and too little sleep, which add to the tension.
Headaches can also come from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) – the jaw joint – for example with clenching or grinding your teeth, clicking in the jaw or pain when chewing.
Typically it’s a pressing, ‘tight band’ pain that builds up during the day and often starts at the back of the head.
How I work
- Initial assessment – we talk about where and when it hurts, what makes it worse and how you move during the day.
- Diagnosis – by looking, movement and touch.
- Manual therapy – manual release of muscle chains in their wider context.
- Targeted exercises – targeted exercise for strength and long-term relief.