Clinical Assessment & Rehabilitation Synthesis
Photo: Upper cervical spine mobilization for cervicogenic headachesNeck pain and upper back tightness represent primary complaints treated by OMT Physical Therapists. Upper cervical spine joints (C0–C3) often refer pain to the head, creating cervicogenic headaches felt unilaterally behind the eye, temple, or occiput.
A tight neurological and biomechanical relationship exists between the cervical spine and the temporomandibular joint. Forward head posture in desk work increases masseter and suboccipital muscle activation, requiring paired evaluation of both jaw and neck.
Physical therapy focuses on deep cervical flexor endurance, thoracic spine mobilization, and targeted posture retraining to achieve lasting relief from tension headaches and neck pain.
