It’s easy to dismiss a headache as just a headache, or shoulder pain as a simple muscle strain. But have you ever wondered if the two could be connected? If you’re asking, “Can shoulder pain cause headaches?” the answer is a definitive yes. This connection, often overlooked, is a common source of discomfort for many people, especially those in Sioux Falls, Omaha, and Austin seeking relief.
At Empower U, our expert physical therapists frequently treat clients who are surprised to learn their persistent headaches are linked to issues in their shoulder and neck. Understanding this relationship is the first step toward finding effective, long-lasting relief. This guide will explain how shoulder pain can cause headaches, what to look for, and how performance physical therapy can help you get back to feeling your best.
The Connection: How Shoulder Pain Leads to Headaches
The link between your shoulder and head lies in the complex network of muscles, nerves, and tissues that connect your upper back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. When muscles in your shoulder area become tight, strained, or develop trigger points, they can refer pain to other parts of your body, including your head.
What is Referred Pain?
Referred pain is pain felt in an area different from its actual source. Think of it like a network of wires. A problem in one part of the circuit can cause a light to flicker elsewhere. Similarly, tension in your shoulder muscles, like the trapezius, can trigger pain signals that your brain interprets as a headache.
Cervicogenic Headaches: The Most Common Culprit
The most common type of headache caused by shoulder and neck issues is a cervicogenic headache. “Cervicogenic” simply means originating from the neck (cervical spine). These headaches often start with pain in the neck and the back of the head, which can then spread to the front, temples, and even behind the eyes.
Key characteristics of a cervicogenic headache include:
- Pain on one side of the head or face.
- A headache that worsens with specific neck movements.
- Reduced range of motion in the neck.
- Pain that starts in the neck or shoulder and radiates upward.
- Stiffness and tenderness in the neck and shoulder muscles.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Resulting Headaches
Several factors can contribute to the muscle tension and dysfunction that lead to headaches. Identifying these root causes is crucial for effective treatment.
Poor Posture
Hours spent hunched over a desk, steering wheel, or phone can lead to a forward-head posture. This position strains the muscles in your neck and upper back, causing them to become overworked and tight. Over time, this chronic tension can create trigger points that refer pain to your head.
Muscle Strain and Overuse
Repetitive motions from work, sports, or even carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder can strain your trapezius and other shoulder muscles. Athletes, busy professionals, and anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle are particularly susceptible to this type of overuse injury, which can easily trigger cervicogenic headaches.
Trigger Points
Trigger points, often called “knots,” are small, tight bands of muscle fibers that can be highly sensitive. When these knots form in the upper trapezius—the large muscle that extends from the base of your skull down to your shoulders—they are a notorious source of referred headache pain. Our physical therapists are experts in treatments like Dry Needling, a highly effective method for releasing these painful trigger points.
Previous Injuries
An old shoulder injury, whiplash from a car accident, or other trauma can lead to chronic muscle imbalances and scar tissue. These underlying issues can persist for years, contributing to ongoing tension and recurring headaches.
How Physical Therapy Can Break the Cycle
While pain medication might offer temporary relief, it doesn’t address the underlying cause of your pain. Performance physical therapy at Empower U focuses on identifying and correcting the root of the problem, providing a long-term solution. Our proven 4-phase treatment approach is designed to get you out of pain and back to your life.
1. Thorough Evaluation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive, one-on-one evaluation with one of our licensed physical therapists. We don’t just look at where it hurts; we assess your posture, movement patterns, strength, and flexibility to pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort. This allows us to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
2. Hands-On Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a cornerstone of our treatment. Our therapists use skilled, hands-on techniques to release muscle tension, mobilize joints, and improve flexibility in your neck and shoulders. This can provide immediate relief from pain and stiffness, restoring normal movement and function.
3. Targeted Exercises
We’ll guide you through a program of corrective exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones. This helps correct postural imbalances and builds the support your neck and shoulders need to function without pain. These exercises are a vital part of preventing the problem from returning.
4. Education and Prevention
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to manage your condition independently. We’ll teach you about proper posture, body mechanics, and self-care strategies to prevent future pain. You’ll leave our clinic not just feeling better, but equipped to stay that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cervicogenic headache feel like?
A cervicogenic headache typically presents as a dull, non-throbbing pain, usually on one side of your head. It often starts in the neck or the base of the skull and can radiate to the forehead, temple, or area around the eye.
How can I tell if my headache is from my shoulder?
Try gently pressing on the muscles of your upper shoulders and neck. If you find a tender spot (a trigger point) and pressing on it reproduces or worsens your headache, it’s a strong sign that your shoulder is the source. Additionally, if your headache is accompanied by a stiff neck, it’s likely cervicogenic.
Can physical therapy really help my headaches?
Absolutely. Studies, like one published in the journal Cephalalgia, have shown that physical therapy is an effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches. By addressing the musculoskeletal source of the pain, we can reduce both the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. However, our clients at Empower U typically experience significant pain reduction within just a few visits. We focus on providing effective, efficient care to get you back to your life as quickly as possible.
Take the Next Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
You don’t have to live with the cycle of shoulder pain and headaches. If you’re in Sioux Falls, SD, Omaha, NE, or Austin, TX, the expert team at Empower U is ready to help you find a lasting solution. We are committed to providing personalized, one-on-one care to help you conquer your goals and live pain-free.
Stop letting pain hold you back. Schedule an appointment with us today and discover how our performance physical therapy programs can make a difference.
