Headache and Neck Pain Treatment in Albuquerque
Many headaches start in the neck and upper back, especially for people who spend long hours at a desk, on their phone or feeding and carrying a baby. If you're tired of reaching for pain relievers, physical therapy can treat the source and help keep headaches from coming back.
Sound familiar?
Headaches that start at the base of your skull and spread to your forehead or behind your eyes
A tight, aching band around your head that builds through the day
Neck pain or stiffness that makes it hard to turn your head or check your blind spot
Tight shoulders and upper back, especially after computer work or nursing
Headaches that get worse with certain postures or after a long day
Neck pain that wakes you up or makes it hard to get comfortable at night
How physical therapy helps
Tension in the neck and upper back can refer pain into the head and contribute to frequent headaches. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic manual therapist, I use hands-on treatment to ease tight muscles and stiff joints, then build strength and better movement habits so your neck can handle your workday and daily life without flaring up.
What to expect
Your first visit is a one-on-one evaluation. We'll talk through your headaches, work and daily routine, then look at how your neck, upper back, shoulders and jaw move and work together. Hands-on treatment usually starts on day one, and you'll leave with simple strategies to start easing symptoms right away.
Why Florebit
Every visit is one-on-one with a doctor of physical therapy, never handed off to an aide
Fellowship-trained in orthopedic manual therapy
30- and 60-minute visits available, with Saturday appointments
New patients can usually be seen within a week
No referral needed in New Mexico
HSA/FSA accepted, and superbills provided on request
Common questions
Can physical therapy help migraines? In most cases, yes. Most migraines have a neck or muscle tension component, and many headaches people call migraines are severe tension or neck-related headaches. Treating the neck and upper back can make headaches less frequent and less intense, and we’ll talk through your history at your first visit to build the right plan.
Do you crack necks? Yes. I’m advanced-trained in spinal manipulation, the quick technique that creates the “pop” many people feel, and it can give fast relief for neck pain and headaches. I’ll always explain what I recommend and why, and nothing is done without your consent. If you’d rather not have manipulation, there are other effective hands-on options.
When should I see a doctor first? If you have a sudden, severe headache, a headache after a head injury, or headaches with vision changes, weakness, numbness or confusion, see a doctor or seek urgent care right away.