Types of Headaches & Neck Pain: Which Ones Can Physiotherapy Fix?

Published: October 23, 2025

Headaches are not all the same. Some come from tight neck muscles. Others start in the neck and spread to the head. When the neck is involved, physiotherapy can be used to ease the pain and stop it from returning.

In this easy guide, four common headache types are explained. Simple signs are given so you can tell if your neck is the cause. It is also shown how physiotherapy can be used to help.

1. Tension Headache (The Most Common)

What it feels like: A tight band or heavy pressure around the whole head — like a hat that is too small.
Where the pain is: Usually both sides of the head, forehead, or back of the head.
How long it lasts: 30 minutes to 7 days.
Neck connection: Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and scalp are often the main cause. This happens from stress, bad posture, or long hours at a desk or phone.

How physiotherapy helps: Gentle hands-on treatment and simple exercises are used. Pain can be reduced by up to 50% in 6 weeks.

2. Neck-Caused Headache (Cervicogenic Headache)

What it feels like: A deep, aching pain that starts at the base of the skull and moves to the temple, eye, or forehead — usually on one side only.
Key sign: The headache gets worse when the head is turned, tilted, or held in one position too long (like looking down at a phone).
Other signs: Stiffness in the upper neck, pain when pressing the top neck bones, or pain that spreads to the shoulder.
How long it lasts: Hours to days, and it keeps coming back if the neck is not treated.

How physiotherapy helps: Special neck joint movements (like SNAG) are performed by the physiotherapist. Up to 80% of pain can be removed in just 4 weeks.

3. Migraine with Neck Pain

What it feels like: Throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side. Light, sound, or movement make it worse. Nausea or feeling sick can happen too.
Neck connection: 7 out of 10 people feel neck pain or stiffness before or during a migraine. Tight neck muscles can act as a trigger.
How long it lasts: 4 to 72 hours.
Warning signs (aura): Some people see flashing lights, zigzag lines, or feel tingling before the pain starts.

How physiotherapy helps: Neck triggers are reduced with gentle treatment and regular exercise. 3 to 5 fewer migraine days can be experienced each month. It works best alongside doctor care.

4. Other Headaches (Not Usually from the Neck)

• Cluster Headache: Very sharp pain around one eye, comes in bursts, lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours. Neck is rarely involved.
• Sinus Headache: Pressure around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead. Caused by colds or allergies — not the neck.
• Thunderclap Headache: Sudden, severe “worst ever” pain. This is an emergency — call a doctor right away.

Physiotherapy role: Only used if bad posture or stress makes these headaches worse. Otherwise, a doctor should be seen first.

Ready to Feel Better?

Relief can often be felt after just 1 or 2 visits when the neck is the cause. A full check, same-day treatment, and easy home exercises are included in the first visit.