1. How does physical therapy treat chronic headaches?

It depends on what is contributing to your headaches. For some patients, the neck and upper back play an important role. Muscle tension, joint
mobility, posture, movement patterns, and strength can all be relevant.

Treatment may include hands-on techniques, specific exercises, mobility work, strengthening,
and education.

2. How do I get rid of a tension headache?

If your headaches are repeatedly returning, I don’t want you to simply keep taking something
every time they start.

I’d like to understand what’s triggering them. Your neck, upper back, prolonged computer work, stress, sleep, physical activity, and other
factors can sometimes contribute.

The goal is to identify your individual pattern and address the factors we can actually change.

3. What causes tension headaches every day?

Daily headaches deserve a proper evaluation rather than an assumption that they’re simply
“tension.”

There can be many contributors, and sometimes more than one factor is involved. The first step isn’t always treatment. Sometimes it’s making sure we understand what we’re treating.

4. Is this a migraine or something else?

Migraines can have very specific features, but headaches can also come from many different causes. That’s why I don’t want to diagnose a headache simply because it feels like pressure or pain around your head.

If your headache pattern is new, significantly different, unusually severe, or associated with neurological symptoms, an in-depth evaluation is important.

5. What triggers my migraines?

Triggers are highly individual. Sleep changes, stress, certain foods, dehydration, hormonal changes, environmental factors, and physical or muscular factors may play a role in some people.

Instead of assuming there’s one universal trigger, keeping track of when your migraines occur and what was happening beforehand can be extremely useful.

6. How do I get rid of a headache/migraine fast?

I understand why you want a quick answer—when you’re in the middle of a migraine, you want relief now. But there isn’t one treatment that safely works for every headache. For an established migraine pattern, follow the treatment plan provided by your medical provider. If your headache is sudden and extremely severe, dramatically different from your usual headaches, or accompanied by neurological symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.

For recurring headaches, the bigger question becomes: “Why do these keep happening?” That’s where a thorough evaluation can be much more valuable than chasing the next headache.

7. Do I need imaging for my headaches?

Not every headache requires an MRI or CT. Imaging decisions depend on your history, examination, symptoms, and whether there are warning signs suggesting something more serious.

If your presentation suggests that imaging or medical evaluation is needed, I will recommend it.