Treatment for Headaches That Start in the Neck in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Headaches That Start in the Neck

A cervicogenic headache is a headache that comes from the joints and tissues of the upper neck. It usually starts at the back of the head on one side and spreads forward. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use Mulligan C1/C2 SNAGs, headache SNAGs and gentle upper neck traction, and teach a home self-SNAG that randomized trials have found can reduce headaches.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of headaches that start in the neck

Headache on one side that starts at the back of the head or neck
Headache brought on by neck positions or long periods at a screen
Reduced ability to turn your head
Pain spreading to the forehead, temple or around the eye
Neck stiffness with the headache

What causes it

The top two joints of the neck share nerve pathways with the head, so when they are stiff or irritated the pain can be felt as a headache. Desk work, phone use, poor sleep posture and old neck injuries are common contributors.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We take a detailed headache history to tell neck-related headache apart from migraine, tension headache and anything that needs medical care. We test upper neck rotation with the flexion-rotation test, then check whether a C1/C2 SNAG improves it during the visit.

Mulligan techniques we use

C1/C2 rotation SNAG. A gentle glide on the top of the neck while you slowly turn your head.
C1/C2 self-SNAG. You learn to apply the glide with a towel at home. This is the technique tested in the research.
Headache SNAG and reverse headache SNAG. Sustained glides on the upper neck that may ease a headache while it is happening.
Upper neck traction. A gentle, sustained lift of the upper neck, studied for this type of headache.

What the research says

In a double-blind trial (Hall et al., JOSPT 2007), people who did a C1/C2 self-SNAG twice a day had fewer headache symptoms than a placebo group, with benefit still present at 12 months. A 2024 trial of 99 patients found Mulligan manual therapy plus exercise reduced headache frequency more than exercise alone, for at least 26 weeks. Some of these trials were run by Mulligan Concept teachers, so we describe the results as promising rather than proven.

What else is in your treatment plan

Alongside SNAGs, your plan includes deep neck and shoulder blade strengthening, workstation advice and a headache diary to track triggers.

How long recovery takes

Many patients notice fewer or milder headaches within 2 to 4 weeks. We aim to leave you with a home routine you can use long term.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Sudden, severe headache that feels like the worst of your life: go to the emergency room
Headache with fever, stiff neck or rash
Headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, vision loss or trouble speaking
Headache after a head injury
A new headache pattern after age 50

Headaches that start in the neck treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my headache comes from my neck?

Clues include one-sided headaches that start at the back of the head, neck stiffness and headaches set off by neck positions. Our exam can help confirm it.

Can I do SNAGs at home?

Yes. We teach a self-SNAG with a towel, the same approach used in the research.

Can physical therapy help migraines?

If neck problems are a trigger, treating the neck may help. Migraine itself usually needs care from your doctor as well.

Is upper neck treatment safe?

We screen carefully first, and Mulligan techniques are gentle, patient-controlled and must stay pain-free.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.