Headaches & Migraines
Many headaches start in the neck, jaw and shoulders, and physical therapy helps most with tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. For migraines, therapy works alongside your doctor and does not replace a neurologist. We treat headaches in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.
Which headache do you have?
The treatment depends on the type, so a good exam comes first.
Tension headache
A tension headache is tied to muscle tension in the neck and scalp, and emotional stress can add to it. It often starts at the back of the head and moves toward the top of the head and eyes, sometimes with pain along the jaw. Poor posture and fatigue are common triggers.
Cervicogenic headache
A cervicogenic headache, or headache from neck problems, involves the top three vertebrae of the neck. Work strain, whiplash and arthritis can trigger it, and so can hours with your head bent down.
Migraines
Migraines have causes that physical therapy does not treat. Where tight neck and shoulder muscles feed into them, therapy can be one part of care alongside your doctor.
Headache at the base of the skull and headache behind the eyes
A headache at base of skull often points to the small muscles under the back of the head. When those muscles spasm from repeated strain or a forward head position, they can tug on the tissue that wraps the brain and set off pain. The pain can travel forward and show up as a headache behind the eyes, which is why people often say the headache is behind my eyes.
If you have daily headaches, they are worth an evaluation. Habits such as long hours at a desk, driving, or looking down at a phone can keep the neck muscles under constant strain. Our Neck Pain page covers neck problems in more detail, and jaw tension that feeds headaches is on TMJ / Jaw Pain.
Physical therapy for migraines and daily headaches: what we do
Your therapist reviews your posture, symptoms and medical history, and may look at imaging your doctor has already ordered. Then treatment is matched to what we find.
That can include manual therapy for the neck and upper back, trigger point therapy, dry needling, stretches and strengthening for the neck muscles, posture correction, and muscle relaxation and breathing techniques you can use during a stressful day. We do not promise to end migraines. We aim to lower how often headaches show up and how hard they hit.
Related pages
Some headaches belong to a bigger story.
After a head injury
A headache that begins after a bump or fall to the head is covered on Concussion.
Neck and jaw
Neck problems are on Neck Pain. Jaw clenching and joint pain are on TMJ / Jaw Pain.
Go to the ER right away if you have
- A sudden headache that feels like the worst of your life
- Headache with weakness, slurred speech, confusion or vision loss
- A headache after a head injury
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Headache care in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.