Neck pain with headaches

Neck pain often times occurs with headaches which maybe on one side or both sides of the head and are precipitated/aggravated by neck movements and/or sustained positions/postures. 

Common exam findings include lacking neck rotation (or range of motion deficits in other directions), headaches reproduced with provocation of the involved cervical segments, neck stiffness and/or deficits in strength/endurance/coordination of the neck muscles. 

Treatments include mobilizations and/or manipulation to both the neck and upper back, strengthening/endurance exercises, motor control (coordination) training of the neck and upper back muscles and dry needling to relieve muscle tension. 

References:

1. “Neck Pain Guidelines: Revision 2017: Using The Evidence To Guide Physical Therapist Practice,” Vol 47, no. 7, 2017, pp. 511-512. Journal Of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0507.

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