Conditions we treat
Headache Treatment in Surrey, BC
Many headaches actually start in the neck — which is exactly why physiotherapy can help more than people expect.
What it feels like
- A tight, band-like ache around the head
- Pain that builds from the base of the skull
- Worse on long desk days or through stressful stretches
- Often paired with neck and shoulder tension
Why it happens
Cervicogenic headaches arise from the joints and muscles of the neck; tension-type headaches relate to muscle tension and posture. Both are common, and both are influenced by how your neck and upper back are working — so identifying the driver is the first step.
How we can help
We assess your neck, posture and the muscles involved to work out how much of your headache is coming from there. Your practitioner then builds a care plan around your specific pattern, decided case by case. Physiotherapy helps many headache types — and if yours has features that need a medical workup, we'll tell you and help you get there.
Common questions
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches often sit on one side, start around the base of the skull and travel forward, and can be brought on or eased by particular neck positions and movements. That pattern is exactly what the assessment tests for.
When should a headache be checked by a doctor instead?
A sudden severe headache unlike any you have had, one with fever or neurological changes such as vision or speech problems, or one that follows a head injury should be assessed medically rather than in a physiotherapy clinic. We screen for those signs before treating.