Headaches
Headaches
Specialist Physiotherapy for Neck-Related Headaches
At Mode Physiotherapy, we offer expert assessment and treatment for cervicogenic headaches—a common but often misdiagnosed type of headache that originates from the cervical spine. Our experienced clinicians provide evidence-based care to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck—often involving the upper cervical joints, muscles, or nerves. Symptoms typically include:
- One-sided head pain
- Neck stiffness or discomfort
- Pain triggered by neck movement or posture
- Referred pain from the base of the skull to the forehead or behind the eyes
Why Choose Mode Physiotherapy?
- HCPC-Registered Chartered Physiotherapists
- Extensive experience in treating chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
- Skilled in manual therapy, spinal mobilisation, and postural correction
- Experts in differential diagnosis and referral for imaging when needed
- Patient-centred care using a biopsychosocial model and shared decision-making
Our Treatment Approach
We combine hands-on techniques with active rehabilitation and education to address the root causes of your headache:
- Manual therapy to restore cervical joint mobility
- Soft tissue release for muscle tension and trigger points
- Postural retraining to reduce strain on the neck
- Targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility
- Pain neuroscience education to support long-term self-management
Advanced Clinical Insight
Our clinicians have worked in NHS chronic pain services and have a deep understanding of both analgesic and non-analgesic pain management. We know when imaging is appropriate—and when it’s not—ensuring you receive the right care at the right time.
Serving Nottingham & Surrounding Areas
Conveniently located in Woodborough, we support patients from Calverton, Burton Joyce, Lowdham, Southwell, Oxton, Mapperley, and Sherwood. If you’re struggling with persistent headaches and neck pain, we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and live headache-free.
Important symptoms to monitor
If you notice any of the below symptoms, you must seek medical attention urgently
- Extremely intense headache of explosive onset.
- Headache with flashes of vision lasting more than 1 hour.
- Headache associated with muscle weakness
- Headache associated with change in posture i.e. bending or coughing
- Headache associated with redness in both/ one eye.
- Headaches causing you to wake from your sleep
- Progressive headache worsening over weeks or longer.
Do I need a scan?
Are there things I should avoid?
You do need to listen to your symptoms and adjust your activities accordingly. Monitor for any changes to your symptoms alongside general health changes which may require more urgent medical assessment. There is usually nothing that you should avoid.
It is important to keep moving as much as possible. There may be some activities that are painful, but this doesnt mean that is it causing you any damage. One of our physiotherapists will be able to work with you to get you back doing the activities you enjoy.
Should I take pain relief?
It is important to discuss pain relief with your local pharmacist or GP. If your pain levels are better controlled, this will enable you to keep more active and by keeping active it will help to maintain your strength and movement. This approach could lead to a quicker recovery.
Mode Physiotherapy will be able to advise if you need to discuss pain relief with your GP or Pharmacist.
How can Mode Physiotherapy help with my headaches?
At Mode Physiotherapy we have extensive experience in managing Musculoskeletal causes of headaches such as:
Joint related neck pain causing headaches
Muscle strains causing headaches
Whiplash causes of headaches
Mode Physiotherapy will be able to help diagnose the cause of potential musculoskeletal headaches as well as provide advice and guidance on ways to manage it. Often this will include a combination of hands on treatment and a tailored rehabilitation programme.