Headaches related to neck tension
Some headaches can be related to tension, restricted movement, or strain in the neck and upper back. When the neck is the primary source of the headache, it is often called a cervicogenic headache. Dr. McDonald looks at how the upper neck, base of the skull, upper back, ribs, and surrounding muscles are moving together, and whether restriction or compensation in those areas may be contributing to the headache.
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What commonly contributes
Prolonged positions
Hours at a desk, on a phone, driving, or working in one position can keep the neck muscles under sustained load.
Muscle tension at the base of the skull
The small muscles beneath the skull and surrounding tissues can become tense or tender and contribute to referred head pain.
Restricted upper neck motion
Reduced motion in the upper cervical joints can contribute to pain that is felt in the head rather than only in the neck.
Prior neck strain or injury
Whiplash, sports injuries, or other strains can leave behind guarding or altered movement that continues to contribute to symptoms.
Hands-on treatment (OMT)
How OMT may help
Dr. McDonald examines before he treats: palpation from the base of the skull down through the neck and upper back, looking for the tight tissue and restricted joints that may be contributing. Treatment is gentle and specific, using techniques such as counterstrain and myofascial release.
- Can help ease tension in the suboccipital muscles
- Often improves motion in the upper neck
- May ease the myofascial tension that can refer pain into the head
- Comes with practical guidance on posture and triggers
If you need more than OMT
Hands-on treatment is not always the whole answer, and Dr. McDonald does not work alone.
Imaging
If your recovery needs a closer look, he can order it, including X-rays and MRI.
Referrals
He sends and receives referrals with physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, and family medicine, and with physical therapists. If your care should involve one of them, he will point you there.
Ready when you are
Start with a conversation
Describe what is going on, and Dr. McDonald will tell you whether hands-on treatment can help.