Headaches and tension headaches – when the neck plays a role

Not every headache originates in the head. Tension in the neck and shoulders, jaw tension, or restricted mobility in the cervical spine can trigger or aggravate headaches. We conduct an individual assessment and treat the area where the root cause lies.

Pressure and a sensation of tightness in the head

A dull pressure spreading across the entire head, pain at the back of the head, or a sensation of a band being tightened around the head – tension headaches are the most common type of headache and often have a muscular origin.

Pain that starts in the neck

When headaches occur after prolonged sitting, stress, or sleeping in an awkward position – and the neck is tense or tender to the touch – the link between the cervical spine and the headache is usually clear.

Migraine with a muscular trigger

Migraines have neurological causes, but muscular tension and trigger points in the neck and shoulders can trigger migraine attacks or increase their frequency. Physiotherapy can be a useful complementary treatment.

Briefly explained

What might be behind headaches

A therapist treats the neck and head of a client lying down.

You’ve come to the right place if...

Headaches recur regularly

And you no longer want to simply reach for a pill, but instead want to understand what lies behind it.
Recurrent headaches with no clear neurological cause often stem from muscular or fascial issues. We assess the neck, shoulders, jaw, and cervical spine – and provide targeted treatment for the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Headaches always occur after tension or prolonged sitting

A clear link between strain and pain—and you are looking for a solution that lasts longer than a break.
When headaches occur regularly following screen work, stress, or a poor sleeping position, the cause usually lies in the cervical spine or the neck and shoulder muscles. Manual therapy and Myoreflex Therapy target precisely these areas.

Headaches associated with jaw tension or teeth grinding

Pain in the temples, pressure behind the eyes, or morning headaches after sleeping.
The jaw, neck, and base of the skull are closely interconnected. When CMD and headaches occur together, it is worth examining the entire tension system – from both a physiotherapy and an interdisciplinary perspective.

Why tension headaches occur

Muscular headaches rarely stem from a single cause. Often, multiple factors interact – sustaining the symptoms even after the original trigger is long gone.

A therapist treats the head and neck of a female client who is lying down.
A therapist treats the head and neck of a female client who is lying down.

Overview of common triggers

Trigger points in the neck and shoulder

Myofascial trigger points – pressure-sensitive points in the muscles – can refer pain to the head. Certain muscles, such as the trapezius or the suboccipital muscles, are classic sources.

Limited mobility of the cervical spine

When the mobility of the cervical spine is restricted, tension and blood flow in the area of ​​the skull base change – frequently resulting in headaches.

Static load at the screen

Prolonged static holding by the neck muscles – with the head held forward and little variation in movement – is one of the most common triggers for tension headaches.

Jaw Tension & TMD

Teeth grinding, clenching, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction create tension patterns that manifest as pain in the temples, behind the eyes, or in the muscles at the base of the skull.

Stress & Increased Muscle Tone

Mental strain increases muscle tone – particularly in the neck and shoulder area. Chronic stress is one of the most common triggers for tension headaches.

Sleeping Position & Sleep Quality

An awkward sleeping position, an unsuitable pillow, or poor sleep quality puts strain on the cervical spine – and causes you to wake up with a headache.

Manual Therapy

Targeted mobilization of the cervical spine, treatment of the skull base, and myofascial techniques for the neck and shoulders – the areas where tension headaches originate.

Manual Therapy
Myoreflex Therapy

Gentle, targeted treatment of muscle attachment points – particularly effective for trigger points that refer pain to the head.

Myoreflex Therapy
CMD Treatment

When jaw pain and headaches are linked, we treat both as a single unit – using physiotherapy and, where appropriate, in coordination with the dentist.

CMD Therapy

How we treat headaches

Treatment table in a quiet practice room with warm lamplight.

Suitable services for headaches

What you can do yourself

Regular movement breaks interrupt the static holding work of the neck muscles – short breaks every 30 to 45 minutes are more effective than occasional long stretching sessions. Position the screen at eye level, keep shoulders relaxed, and pull the chin back slightly.

Applying heat to the neck area can provide short-term relief. Pay attention to your jaw position: keeping your lips relaxed and your teeth slightly apart is the relaxed resting position. We will determine which measures are appropriate for your specific situation based on the clinical findings.

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Therapist in a counseling session with a client in front of a floral wall mural.

Did you know?

Actively prevent neck tension

Anyone wishing to reduce neck tension and tension-related headaches in the long term can take action by participating in certified prevention courses under Section 20 of the Social Code Book V (SGB V) – with potential subsidies from statutory health insurance funds.

Prevention courses
Group class with female clients stretching their arms while sitting on stools.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about headaches & tension headaches

Didn't find what you were looking for? We would be happy to assist you personally.

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Tension headaches usually manifest as a dull, bilateral pressure – without nausea or light sensitivity. Migraines are unilateral and pulsating, and frequently accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. Physiotherapy can be beneficial for both, though with a different focus.

Yes, in the case of muscle-related headaches and tension headaches. Manual therapy, Myoreflex therapy, and targeted exercise therapy can significantly reduce their frequency and intensity.

If you experience a sudden, severe headache, a headache following an accident or fall, or accompanying symptoms such as visual disturbances, numbness, or speech difficulties, urgent medical evaluation is necessary.

This is often the case, though it can only be assessed based on the clinical findings. If headaches occur after tension, prolonged sitting, or poor sleep, and the neck is tender to the touch, a muscular origin is likely.

Physiotherapy can be prescribed by a doctor. If you have private health insurance, wish to pay for treatment yourself, or hold supplementary insurance for naturopathic treatments in addition to your statutory health insurance, we will discuss the options that are right for you in a transparent manner.

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We bill via private health insurance, state aid schemes (Beihilfe), or as a self-pay service. Physiotherapy is billed according to the GebüH fee schedule, and naturopathic services according to the GebüH HP schedule. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding billing.

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Contact & Appointment

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If you would like to request an appointment, you've come to the right place. Simply fill out the form – we will get back to you. 

Monday to Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Appointments by arrangement)

Phone +49 (0) 69 92038093
Email: info@praxis-laemmerhirt.de

A receptionist greets a client at the practice's reception desk.