Relieve Neck Pain and Headaches Naturally
If you’ve ever felt a headache start in your neck and creep into your temple or eye socket, you’re not alone. For many people, neck stiffness—especially in the upper cervical spine—can be a silent trigger for chronic headaches. And while medication might dull the pain temporarily, it rarely solves the root problem.
At Athletic Edge Physical Therapy, we help active adults across San Diego relieve headaches by restoring natural neck mobility and reducing tension at its source.
What Is Upper Cervical Hypomobility?
Upper cervical hypomobility is a clinical term for reduced mobility in the top two vertebrae of the neck—right beneath the base of the skull. This region is responsible for a large portion of your head and neck movement. When it stiffens up, the body compensates, and that compensation often leads to chronic headaches, facial pressure, and neck pain.
Symptoms You Might Overlook
Headaches that feel worse on one side of the head
Pain that wraps from the back of your neck to the front of your forehead or eyes
Neck and shoulder tightness, especially when sitting unsupported
Sensations of “heaviness” or fatigue in the upper neck
Why It’s Often Misdiagnosed
Because these symptoms can mimic tension headaches, migraines, or even sinus issues, many people are treated with painkillers or told to “wait it out.” But if the underlying issue is mechanical—meaning your neck joints aren’t moving properly—medication alone won’t cut it.
How Your Neck Could Be Causing Your Headaches
Your neck and skull are intricately connected through the cervico-cranial junction. When mobility is limited here, it creates a ripple effect through nearby muscles, joints, and nerves. Here’s how that process unfolds:
Muscle Tension and Overcompensation
Stiff neck joints cause surrounding muscles to overwork, especially the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles. That tension radiates upward, creating pressure in the base of the skull and behind the eyes.
Joint and Nerve Irritation
Hypomobility in the cervical spine can irritate the facet joints, leading to inflammation and referred pain into the head or even down the arms. In more advanced cases, tight muscles may compress nerves, causing tingling or numbness.
How Physical Therapy Provides Lasting Relief
At Athletic Edge PT, we specialize in treating cervicogenic headaches—those caused by problems in the neck—with a personalized, hands-on approach. Here's how:
Hands-On Techniques That Work
We use manual therapy and joint mobilizations to restore natural movement between cervical vertebrae. This relieves pressure on irritated structures and reduces pain without relying on medication.
Customized Home Exercises
Strengthening your deep neck flexors and improving posture can prevent headaches from returning. Our team will guide you through tailored exercises that fit your lifestyle and activity level.
Posture & Ergonomic Fixes That Stick
Whether it’s your desk setup, workout technique, or sleeping position, we help identify and correct the real-world factors that contribute to your headaches.
Upper Joint Mobilizations: Performing a joint mobilization involves moving one vertebrae segment on another, creating cervical movement at that part of the neck. This can help restore normal neck movement and take pressure off other vertebral segments.
When to See a Physical Therapist
If you're dealing with any of the following, it may be time to book an appointment:
Frequent headaches that start at the base of your neck
Stiffness or limited range of motion when turning your head
A history of concussions or whiplash
Worsening symptoms with prolonged sitting or screen use
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.
