Headaches are one of the most common conditions we treat at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine. Whether you suffer from tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, or migraines, our team of chiropractors and physical therapists can help identify the root cause and provide lasting relief — without relying on pain medication.
Types of Headaches We Treat
Not all headaches are the same, and neither is our treatment approach. We evaluate each patient to determine the specific type and cause of their headaches:
- Cervicogenic Headaches — Originating from dysfunction in the cervical spine (upper neck), these headaches are often one-sided and caused by joint restriction, muscle tightness, or disc problems at C1-C3.
- Tension Headaches — The most common type, often caused by tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, frequently worsened by stress, poor posture, and prolonged screen time.
- Migraines — Characterized by intense, throbbing pain (often one-sided), sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea. Chiropractic care can reduce frequency and intensity.
- Post-Concussion Headaches — Following a head injury or car accident, persistent headaches require careful evaluation and a graduated treatment approach.
- Occipital Neuralgia — Shooting pain from the base of the skull to the top of the head, caused by irritation of the occipital nerves.
How Chiropractic Care Relieves Headaches
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics shows chiropractic spinal manipulation is as effective as medication for tension and cervicogenic headaches — and without side effects.
Our approach at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine combines several evidence-based techniques:
- Cervical Spinal Manipulation — Gentle adjustments to the upper cervical and thoracic spine reduce joint restriction and nerve irritation that contribute to headaches.
- Soft Tissue Therapy — Myofascial release and trigger point therapy to the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid reduce muscle-related headache triggers.
- Dry Needling — Precise needling of active trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles provides rapid pain relief for both tension headaches and migraines.
- Physical Therapy & Exercise — Corrective exercises to improve posture, strengthen deep cervical flexors, and reduce forward head posture — a major driver of chronic headaches.
Headaches After a Car Accident in Pittsburgh
Post-traumatic headaches are extremely common after car accidents and whiplash injuries. If you've been in an accident and are experiencing headaches, it's important to get evaluated promptly. Pittsburgh Physical Medicine treats post-accident headaches as part of your auto injury recovery, and your treatment may be covered by your MedPay auto insurance. See our car accident injury treatment page for more information.
Serving Headache Patients Near East Liberty, Pittsburgh
Our office is located at 5916 Penn Ave in East Liberty — conveniently located for patients in:
- Shadyside (0.8 miles) — Located just off Penn Ave, we are your neighborhood headache specialist.
- Bloomfield (1.1 miles) — Quick drive down Liberty Ave to relief from chronic headaches and migraines.
- Lawrenceville (1.4 miles) — Serving Butler St corridor residents with same-day headache appointments.
- Oakland (2.0 miles) — Near Pitt, CMU, and UPMC, serving students, faculty, and staff.
- Highland Park (1.5 miles) — Your neighborhood headache and migraine specialist.
- Point Breeze (1.8 miles) — Just minutes from your door on Penn Ave.
- Squirrel Hill (2.2 miles) — Convenient to Forbes and Murray Ave via Penn Ave.
Insurance Accepted for Headache Treatment
We accept UPMC Health Plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare for headache and migraine treatment. No referral is needed to start chiropractic care. Call (412) 404-8337 to verify your benefits before your first visit.
Book Your Headache Consultation in Pittsburgh
You don't have to live with chronic headaches. Our team at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine is ready to help. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for new patients.
Schedule Online or call (412) 404-8337.
