If you’ve ever had a headache on top of your head, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp pain, headaches can make it hard to focus and get through the day. The good news is that physical therapy can help! At Indepth Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating the root causes of headaches, which often involve muscle tension, poor posture, and neck problems. We work to address the underlying issues so you can feel better and get back to doing what you love.
Let’s explore how our treatments can help relieve headaches and keep them from coming back.
Common Causes of Headaches on Top of the Head
If you’ve ever felt a headache right on the top of your head, you know how uncomfortable it can be. There are many reasons why this type of headache happens, but it is commonly related to how we use our muscles and how we move.
1. Muscle Tension and Stress
When people are stressed, they often tense up without even realizing it. This can cause the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back to tighten. When those muscles get too tight, they can send pain signals up to your head, causing that achy feeling on top. Furthermore, stress activates our sympathetic nervous system, which can further increase muscle tension.
2. Poor Posture
Sitting at a desk for long periods or looking down at your phone all day can contribute to poor posture. When your head isn’t aligned properly with your spine, it puts increased strain on your neck and upper back muscles. Over time, this strain can trigger headaches, especially on top of your head.
3. Cervical Spine Problems
The cervical spine is the part of your spine that’s in your neck. If there’s a problem with how your neck moves or if the joints are stiff or misaligned, it can cause pain that travels up into your head. This can result in headaches, especially those focused on the top of your head.
Headaches on top of the head are often related to how our muscles and joints work together. Luckily, there are ways to address these causes and find relief!
How Physical Therapy Can Help Alleviate Headaches
At Indepth Physical Therapy, we know how frustrating headaches can be, especially when they affect your daily life. The good news is that physical therapy can be an effective way to treat the underlying causes of headaches; we focus on getting to the source of your discomfort. Here’s how we can help:
1. Manual Therapy
One of the first things we might do is use hands-on techniques, known as manual therapy, to relieve tension in your neck and upper back. Tight muscles are often a big contributing factor to headaches, especially those that sit on top of your head. By gently massaging and releasing these muscles, we can reduce that tension and help you feel better.
2. Postural Correction and Movement Training
Posture plays a huge role in how your body feels, especially when it comes to headaches. Poor posture, like slouching or leaning forward while sitting, can put increased strain on your neck and shoulders. During physical therapy, we’ll evaluate your posture and help you make postural adjustments. We’ll also teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles that support good posture. With time, better posture can take the pressure off your neck and reduce your headaches.
3. Therapeutic Exercise
We’ll also guide you through exercises designed to relax and strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. When these muscles are balanced and flexible, they can better support your head, reducing the strain that leads to headaches. The exercises we give you will be tailored to your specific needs, and you’ll be able to do many of them at home to keep your headaches at bay.
4. Neuromuscular Re-Education
If your headaches are caused by poor movement patterns or imbalances in how your muscles work together, neuromuscular re-education can help. This therapy retrains your muscles and joints to move in healthier, more efficient ways. By improving how your body moves, we can reduce the strain that leads to headaches.
5. Patient Education
Education is a key part of physical therapy. We’ll work with you to understand how daily habits might be contributing to your headaches. Whether it’s adjusting your workstation, changing the way you sit, taking more frequent breaks to stretch, or modifying your diet, small changes can make a big difference. We’ll also teach you strategies to prevent headaches from coming back, helping you stay pain-free long term.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Headaches
If you’ve been experiencing headaches on the top of your head that don’t seem to go away, it might be time to seek professional help. Physical therapy is a great option if your headaches are related to muscle tension, poor posture, or neck problems. If the pain is getting in the way of your daily life or seems to be getting worse, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
At Indepth Physical Therapy, we take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to help you find long-lasting relief, so you can get back to enjoying life without headaches.
Why Choose Indepth Physical Therapy for Headache Treatment?
At Indepth Physical Therapy, we’re committed to providing personalized care for each of our patients. When it comes to treating headaches, we understand that everyone’s experience is different. That’s why we take a one-on-one approach, offering treatments that are specifically designed to address your unique situation.
Our team has the expertise and experience to help you find relief from headaches, and we focus on treating the root cause of your pain—not just the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tension, poor posture, or neck problems, we’re here to help you feel better and stay headache-free.
Take Control of Your Headaches with Physical Therapy
Headaches on the top of your head can be painful and frustrating, but they don’t have to be a part of your daily life. Physical therapy offers a conservative and effective way to treat the causes of these headaches, providing long-term relief. At Indepth Physical Therapy, we’re here to help you improve your posture, reduce muscle tension, and move better—so you can say goodbye to those annoying headaches for good.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment with us today and start your journey to headache-free living!
References
1. Furto, ES. Miczak, K. “Physical Therapy Guide to Headaches.” Choose PT, September 2020. https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-headaches
2. Murphy, C. Hameed, S. “Chronic Headaches.” National Library of Medicine, July 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559083/
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