Head & Neck

A cervical disc herniation happens when the soft material inside a spinal disc pushes outward, pressing on nearby nerves in the neck. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms. Disc herniations often occur from sudden trauma, repetitive strain, poor posture, or age-related disc degeneration. If left untreated, nerve irritation can worsen, leading to long-term weakness or loss of sensation. Physical therapy helps reduce pressure on the nerves, improve neck mobility, and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain that radiates into the arm
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm
• Increased pain with neck movement
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion

Whiplash occurs when the head is rapidly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, causing strain to the soft tissues of the neck. It most commonly happens during car accidents but can also result from sports injuries or falls. Whiplash can affect muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves in the neck and upper back. Some symptoms show up immediately, while others can be delayed for hours or even days. Early treatment helps control inflammation, improve movement, and prevent chronic stiffness or headaches.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Pain or numbness in the shoulders or arms
• Difficulty concentrating

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often linked to stress, muscle tension, and poor posture. They are usually caused by tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles. Tension headaches tend to develop gradually and can last from 30 minutes to several days. Although they are not typically disabling, frequent episodes can significantly affect daily life. Physical therapy focuses on releasing muscle tension, improving posture, and building better movement habits to prevent future headaches.

Symptoms may include:

• Dull, aching pain around the forehead or back of the head
• Tightness in the neck and shoulders
• Pressure-like sensation around the head
• Tenderness in the scalp or neck
• Headaches that worsen with stress

Cervicogenic dizziness originates from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine that affects balance and spatial orientation. It often follows a neck injury such as whiplash or develops over time due to poor posture and muscle tightness. This type of dizziness typically worsens with specific neck movements and improves with stabilization and strengthening of the cervical area. Proper diagnosis is important, as other causes of dizziness need to be ruled out. Physical therapy can help restore proper movement patterns and alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Lightheadedness with neck movement
• Unsteadiness or imbalance
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Headaches
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating

While migraines are primarily a neurological condition, musculoskeletal issues in the neck and shoulders can act as significant triggers. Muscle tightness, poor posture, and joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can all contribute to migraine onset or worsen existing migraines. Addressing these mechanical contributors can reduce both the frequency and severity of attacks. In many cases, physical therapy is used alongside other migraine management strategies for the best results. A full-body approach often helps patients regain more consistent comfort and control.

Symptoms may include:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Neck stiffness before or during migraine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Visual disturbances (auras)

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction affects the joints and muscles that connect your jaw to your skull. Problems with the TMJ can cause pain, restricted movement, and popping or clicking sounds during jaw motion. Contributing factors may include teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, arthritis, or direct trauma. TMJ disorders often cause secondary symptoms like headaches, earaches, and neck tension. Treatment focuses on reducing joint stress, improving jaw alignment, and relaxing the surrounding muscles.

Symptoms may include:

• Jaw pain or clicking
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
• Headaches around the temples
• Earaches or ringing in the ears
• Neck and upper back tension

Forward head posture occurs when the head sits too far in front of the body’s center of gravity, placing extra strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It often develops gradually due to long periods of sitting, screen use, or poor ergonomics. Over time, forward head posture can lead to muscle imbalances, disc pressure, and nerve irritation. Left uncorrected, it may contribute to chronic neck pain, headaches, and reduced lung capacity. Physical therapy addresses both posture and the muscular causes behind it.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck and upper back pain
• Headaches at the base of the skull
• Rounded shoulders
• Muscle tightness across the chest
• Fatigue after short periods of sitting