Headache

What is it?

Headache is one of the most common complaints and can significantly impact quality of life. Although often associated with stress or fatigue, in many cases there is a link between the nervous system, musculature, biomechanics, and accumulated tension in different parts of the body.

The head does not function in isolation. The neck, jaw, shoulders, spine, and even the lumbar region can influence the occurrence of tension headaches and recurrent headaches.

Most Common Symptoms

• Pressure or a sensation of tightness around the head.

• Pain in the temples or behind the eyes.

• Pain starting in the neck and radiating up into the head.

• Cervical stiffness.

• A feeling of heaviness in the neck and shoulders.

• Sensitivity to light or noise.

• Dizziness or a feeling of instability.

• Jaw tension.

• Pain that increases at the end of the day.

Why does it appear?

Headaches of musculoskeletal origin can be linked to various factors, including:

• Sustained muscle tension.

• Postural and biomechanical alterations.

• Stiffness of the cervical and thoracic spine.

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

• Bruxism or jaw tension.

• Deficits in stability and motor control.

• Physical and emotional stress.

The Importance of Posture and the Nervous System

The body functions as an interconnected chain. When the neck, jaw, shoulders, or back lose mobility or accumulate tension, the head typically compensates by increasing the load on the cervical musculature.

Furthermore, stress and prolonged states of alertness can keep the nervous system in a constant state of protection, promoting muscle tension and the onset of recurrent headaches. Because of this, treatment does not only seek to relieve pain but also to identify and correct the root cause of the problem.

Therapeutic Approach

Treatment is tailored to each patient's needs and may combine different techniques to relieve pain and restore function:

• Manual therapy.

• Myofascial release.

• Deep dry needling, when indicated.

• Targeted work on deep cervical musculature.

• Treatment of the jaw and facial muscles.

• Cervical, thoracic, and scapular mobility exercises.

• Therapeutic exercise and postural re-education.

• Breathing and diaphragmatic work.

• Nervous system regulation.

• Instrument-assisted physical therapy.

Treatment Goals

• Decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches.

• Reduce muscle tension and improve range of motion.

• Restore balance between the neck, jaw, and spine.

• Improve posture and movement control.

• Reduce nervous system sensitization.

• Minimize the risk of recurrence and improve quality of life.