Tension headaches and neck pain are often the result of complex abnormalities within the joints, muscles, fascia, and neuromeningeal structures. Neck pain frequently develops through poor postural head position—often referred to as "text neck"—as well as whiplash, ligament sprains, or muscular strains. When these issues are left unchecked, the constant mechanical stress can lead to spondylosis, which is the chronic wear and tear of the spinal discs and joint structures.
It is also common for clients to report debilitating headaches due to mechanical overload of the posterior neck muscles. These muscles, particularly the suboccipitals, tighten significantly where they attach to the base of the skull. This muscular tension can compress local nerves and restrict blood flow, triggering referred pain that wraps around the head in a "vice-like" grip, characteristic of tension-type headaches. By releasing these specific attachment points, we can interrupt the pain signals and provide immediate relief from cranial pressure, effectively "unbound" the tension that radiates toward the temples and forehead.
Our Approach to Treatment:
The treatment and management of the neck at KC-Physio begins with a comprehensive assessment of the joints and fascial tissues to identify the specific drivers of your discomfort. Once the root cause is identified, we utilize a multi-modal approach that integrates joint mobilisation and manipulation with deep tissue frictions to restore structural mobility. These manual techniques are supported by trigger point therapy, acupressure, and dry needling (IMS) to desensitize hyper-irritable muscle bands. To ensure the recovery is lasting, we incorporate targeted stretching, exercise therapy, and intensive postural retraining to realign the spine and reduce the daily load on your neck.
The general principles of our treatment involve addressing one abnormality at a time. This allows us to meticulously assess the effectiveness of each technique by comparing pre- and post-treatment cervical findings, ensuring that every adjustment leads to measurable progress.
At KC-Physio, most clients experience significant improvement and a noticeable reduction in pain symptoms after just the first session. This is followed by a few targeted sessions where clients achieve astounding results, gaining the strength and awareness to maintain a healthy "head-on-neck" posture.