Suboccipital Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Provides Relief
If you’ve been struggling with headaches that start at the base of your skull and spread toward the back of your head or even behind your eyes, you might not be dealing with a tension or migraine headache at all. Instead, you could be experiencing a suboccipital headache — also known as a type of cervicogenic headache.
These headaches are often linked to poor posture, prolonged desk work, or neck dysfunction. The good news? Physiotherapy can effectively address the root cause, providing lasting, drug-free relief.
What Are Suboccipital Headaches?
The suboccipital region sits just below the base of your skull, where small stabilizing muscles connect your spine (C1–C2 vertebrae) to your head. These muscles are crucial for tiny head movements, posture, and eye coordination.
When these muscles become tense or overworked, they can compress nearby nerves and cause headaches.
Common Symptoms of Suboccipital (Cervicogenic) Headaches:
- Pain at the base of the skull, often spreading to the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes
- Headaches triggered or worsened by poor posture, especially screen time
- Neck stiffness and tenderness to touch
- A dull, pressure-like pain that may mimic migraines or tension headaches
- In some cases: dizziness, blurry vision, or light sensitivity
What Causes Suboccipital Headaches?
Several common factors can lead to this type of headache:
- Forward head posture & desk work (prolonged computer or phone use)
- Muscle tension & stress
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Restricted upper cervical mobility
- Eye strain from screens or uncorrected vision problems
How Physiotherapy Helps Treat Suboccipital Headaches
Physiotherapy doesn’t just mask the pain — it targets the underlying problem. By improving posture, mobility, and muscle balance, our physiotherapists can help patients reduce both the intensity and frequency of headaches.
- Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, and trigger point therapy relieve muscle tension and restore proper neck movement.
- Corrective Exercises
Tailored neck and postural exercises strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones, preventing headaches from recurring.
- Posture & Ergonomic Coaching
From your desk setup to your phone use, small adjustments can make a big difference. Our Physiotherapists provide personalised strategies to support better posture throughout your day.
- Education & Self-Management
Patients learn how to recognise triggers and use simple techniques at home (like stretches or relaxation methods) to stop headaches in their tracks.
Why Physiotherapy Is the Best Choice for Suboccipital Headache Relief
Unlike painkillers, which only provide short-term relief, physiotherapy is a natural, long-term solution for headaches caused by the neck. Patients often notice improvements within just a few sessions.
Physiotherapy helps you:
- Relieve neck pain and stiffness
- Reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches
- Correct posture and movement habits
- Prevent headaches from coming back
If suboccipital or cervicogenic headaches are interfering with your work, sleep, or daily life, physiotherapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Book an appointment today with our expert physiotherapy team. Together, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan to help you move freely, reduce your headaches, and get back to living without constant pain.
