Relieve Neck Pain & Headaches Naturally
If headaches start in your neck and creep behind your eye, you may be dealing with a cervicogenic headache—pain driven by stiff joints and overworked muscles at the top of the neck. Pain meds can dull symptoms, but they don’t restore motion. At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy in Sorrento Valley, we help active adults relieve headaches by restoring upper-cervical mobility, calming irritated tissues, and rebuilding support so relief actually lasts.
What Is Cervicogenic Headache (Upper Cervical Hypomobility)?
Reduced motion in the top two cervical vertebrae (C1–C2) sensitizes joints and nearby nerves.
Muscles like the suboccipitals and upper traps clamp down to protect the area.
The result: pain that starts in the neck and wraps to the temple, eye, or forehead—often worse on one side.
Common signs you might notice
Headaches that begin at the base of the skull and move forward (often one-sided)
Neck/shoulder tightness, especially when sitting unsupported
“Heaviness” or fatigue in the upper neck; limited rotation (looking over the shoulder)
Symptoms that flare with long screen time, driving, or overhead work
Why It’s Often Misdiagnosed
Symptoms can mimic tension headaches, migraines, or sinus pressure. If the root cause is mechanical (stiff joints + protective muscle tone), medication alone rarely solves it.
What actually helps
Manual therapy & joint mobilization
Gentle mobilizations to C1–C2 and adjacent segments restore glide and reduce joint irritation.
Soft-tissue work
Target suboccipitals, SCM, upper traps, and levator to drop protective tone.Deep neck flexor training
Chin nods, head lifts, and progressions (10–20 sec holds) retrain the system to support the neck without overusing surface muscles.Posture & ergonomics that stick
Monitor height, chair support, keyboard reach, and break cadence. Small changes → fewer flares.Graded loading & mobility
Thoracic extension, scapular control, and rotation drills to keep motion you gain on the table.
Quick at-home starter plan
Micro-break rule: every 30–45 minutes, 30–60 seconds off the screen; look far away, gentle neck rotations.
Suboccipital release: lacrosse ball at the base of the skull, 30–60 sec each side, light pressure.
Chin nods: 2–3 sets of 8–10 reps; think “lengthen the back of the neck.”
Thoracic opener: foam roller extensions, 6–8 slow reps.
Stop if symptoms worsen or radiate.
When to see a physical therapist
Headaches 1–2×/week or more that start in the neck
Neck rotation limited or painful (check both directions)
History of concussion/whiplash, or symptoms aggravated by sitting/screen time
Red flags: severe sudden headache, neuro symptoms (numbness, weakness, vision changes) → seek medical eval
Our process at Athletic Edge Physical Therapy (San Diego)
1:1 evaluation: movement screen, cervical mobility, deep neck flexor endurance, symptom drivers
Hands-on care: targeted mobilization + soft-tissue to calm irritation fast
Custom plan: 10–12 minute daily routine, ergonomic fixes, and graded activity
Progress you can feel: fewer flares, better range, and fewer “desk days” derailing you
Start Living Without Headaches
Don’t settle for short-term relief when you can address the root cause of your discomfort. At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy in San Diego, we help you reclaim your freedom from pain—no insurance delays, no rushed appointments, just personalized care that works.
Call or text us now to schedule your visit
📞 858-371-2575 or tap HERE to book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a tight neck really cause headaches?
Absolutely. Muscle and joint tension in the neck—especially near the base of the skull—can create pressure that leads to tension or cervicogenic headaches.
Q: What’s the best treatment for cervicogenic headaches?
A combination of manual therapy, targeted strengthening, and ergonomic corrections guided by a physical therapist is the gold standard.
Q: How soon will I feel better?
Most patients begin to experience relief within 3–5 sessions, depending on the severity and cause of their symptoms.
Q: Do I need a referral for physical therapy in California?
Nope. California is a direct access state, which means you can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral.
