Headaches and the Role of the Neck

Jacob Love | Physiotherapist | Hip to Toe
Watson Headache® Institute Level 1 Foundation Course Attendee

Recurring headaches can interrupt work, sleep and everyday activities. Understanding your headache pattern and assessing possible contributing factors can help guide appropriate care. For some people, this includes considering the neck.

Why assess the neck

Pain can sometimes be referred from one part of the body to another. The neck is one possible source of referred head pain. However, headaches have many causes, and neck pain alongside a headache does not automatically mean the neck is causing it.

An individual assessment is important. A physiotherapy assessment can help explore whether neck movement or function may be relevant to your symptoms, alongside medical assessment where needed.

What to discuss at your appointment

Tell your clinician (Jacob) when your headaches began, how often they occur, how long they last and how they affect your daily activities. Mention any neck symptoms, previous injuries, medical investigations and medicines you use. Bringing a headache diary may help you explain the pattern.

Your history and examination help guide whether physiotherapy is appropriate and whether you should see your GP or another health professional. Any proposed care should be explained, discussed with you and reviewed according to your response.

An individual approach to care

There is no single treatment that suits everyone with headaches. Physiotherapy may form part of a broader management plan where assessment identifies a relevant neck contribution. Results vary, and treatment should be reviewed if it is not helping. Continue prescribed medicines unless your prescribing clinician advises otherwise.

When to seek urgent medical care

Seek emergency medical help for a sudden, severe headache or a headache accompanied by confusion, new weakness, speech difficulties, fever or neck stiffness. Call 000 when emergency assistance is needed. New, changing or worsening headaches should be discussed with your GP.

Speak with Hip to Toe

If you would like to discuss whether a physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate for your headaches, contact Hip to Toe reception to arrange an appointment with Jacob Love.

About Jacob

Jacob Love attended the Watson Headache® Institute, Level 1 Foundation Course titled “Cervicogenic Headache and The Role of C1-C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache” presented by Dr Dean H Watson PhD, Australian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. The course was held Online. For further information, go to: www.WatsonHeadacheInstitute.com.

The course was based on the Watson Headache® Approach, a protocol for the skilled assessment and management of the upper cervical (neck) spine in Cervicogenic and Primary Headache, and related conditions in which the underlying dysfunction is sensitisation of the lower brainstem. The Watson Headache® Approach is recognised as a scientifically researched method of examination as well as a comprehensive clinical management system. For further information, go to: www.WatsonHeadacheApproach.com.

Further reading

• Queensland Government headache information
• Queensland Health headache and migraine referral guidance

This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.