Neck pain and headaches can make even the simplest daily activities frustrating. Whether you’re struggling to turn your head while driving, waking up with headaches, spending long hours at a computer, or dealing with chronic neck tension, the underlying cause often goes untreated.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we help people throughout Spokane Valley, Spokane, Liberty Lake, Veradale, and the surrounding communities identify the true source of their neck pain and headaches so they can finally find lasting relief.

Many of the patients we see have already tried pain medication, massage, chiropractic care, injections, or simply waiting for the problem to resolve on its own. While these approaches may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause of the problem.

Our goal is to identify why your symptoms developed, correct the underlying movement dysfunctions contributing to your pain, and provide a personalized treatment plan that helps you return to the activities you love.

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Are you tired of living with neck pain or headaches that keep coming back?

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Neck pain and headaches can develop for many different reasons. In many cases, the symptoms don’t appear suddenly but instead build gradually over time as muscles, joints, and nerves become irritated.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we frequently help patients identify the underlying cause of their symptoms so they can stop chasing temporary relief and start addressing the real problem.

Poor Posture

Poor posture is one of the most common contributors to neck pain and headaches. Spending long hours sitting, driving, working at a computer, or looking down at a phone can place excessive stress on the muscles and joints of the neck.

Over time, this stress can lead to muscle tightness, joint stiffness, headaches, and chronic discomfort that continues to worsen if left untreated.

Tech Neck

“Tech Neck” refers to the strain placed on the neck from repeatedly looking down at smartphones, tablets, and laptops. As the head moves forward, the muscles of the neck and upper back must work much harder to support its weight.

Many people with Tech Neck experience neck stiffness, shoulder tension, headaches, and difficulty maintaining good posture throughout the day.

Stress and Muscle Tension

Emotional stress often causes people to unconsciously tighten the muscles of their neck, shoulders, and jaw. Over time, this tension can contribute to headaches, neck pain, and restricted movement.

Stress-related headaches are commonly felt around the base of the skull, temples, or across the forehead and may become more frequent during particularly stressful periods.

Whiplash Injuries

Car accidents, sports injuries, and falls can cause a rapid movement of the neck known as whiplash. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in lingering neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty turning the head.

Many people are surprised to learn that whiplash injuries often occur alongside concussions. Because the head and neck are frequently injured together, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, balance problems, difficulty concentrating, and neck pain may all be connected.

Without proper treatment, these symptoms can persist long after the original injury has healed. A thorough evaluation is important to determine whether your symptoms are coming from the neck, a concussion, or a combination of both conditions.

If your symptoms began after a car accident, sports injury, or fall, learn more about our specialized Concussion & Whiplash Treatment Program.

Learn More About Concussion & Whiplash Treatment

Arthritis and Joint Dysfunction

As we age, the joints of the neck naturally experience wear and tear. Degenerative changes can contribute to stiffness, reduced mobility, and chronic pain.

While these changes are common, many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy can often help reduce symptoms and improve function without relying solely on medication.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

The discs between the bones of the neck help absorb shock and allow movement. When a disc becomes irritated or injured, it may place pressure on nearby nerves.

This can lead to neck pain, headaches, numbness, tingling, or pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Repetitive Work Activities

Jobs that involve prolonged sitting, repetitive lifting, overhead work, or extended computer use can place significant strain on the neck and upper back.

Over time, repetitive stress can create muscle imbalances and movement restrictions that contribute to chronic neck pain and recurring headaches.

Yes. In fact, many headaches actually originate from problems within the neck.

The upper joints, muscles, and nerves of the neck have a close relationship with the nerves that transmit pain signals to the head. When these structures become irritated, they can refer pain into the base of the skull, temples, forehead, behind the eyes, or even around the jaw.

One of the most common conditions we see is known as a cervicogenic headache. A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from the neck rather than from the brain itself. These headaches are often associated with stiffness, poor posture, muscle tension, or dysfunction of the upper cervical spine.

Common signs that your headache may be coming from your neck include:

• Pain that starts at the base of the skull
• Headaches that worsen with neck movement
• Neck stiffness or restricted motion
• Pain on one side of the head
• Headaches that develop after prolonged computer use
• Headaches associated with poor posture

Tension headaches may also have a strong neck component. Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can contribute to recurring headaches that interfere with work, exercise, and daily activities.

Many patients spend years treating only the headache itself through medication while never addressing the underlying neck dysfunction that may be contributing to their symptoms.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, our evaluation process helps determine whether your headaches may be related to problems within the neck. By identifying and treating the source of the issue, many patients experience significant improvements in both headache frequency and intensity.

Discover Whether Your Headaches Are Coming From Your Neck

Many people spend years treating the headache itself while the real problem remains hidden in the neck.

Request an appointment today and let us help identify the true source of your headaches.

• Neck stiffness
• Pain turning your head
• Pain looking up or down
• Headaches at the base of the skull
• Frequent tension headaches
• Shoulder blade pain
• Numbness or tingling into the arm
• Dizziness associated with neck movement
• Poor posture
• Muscle tightness

Physical therapy focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of your symptoms rather than simply masking pain.

Every patient begins with a comprehensive evaluation designed to uncover the specific factors contributing to their neck pain or headaches.

Comprehensive Evaluation

We begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and goals. We then perform a detailed movement assessment to evaluate posture, flexibility, strength, joint mobility, and movement patterns.

This evaluation helps us identify the underlying factors contributing to your pain and allows us to create a personalized treatment plan.

Hands-On Manual Therapy

Many patients benefit from manual therapy techniques designed to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal movement.

Depending on your needs, treatment may include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, stretching, and other hands-on techniques that help reduce pain and improve function.

Targeted Exercise Therapy

Exercise is one of the most effective tools for creating long-term improvements.

We prescribe specific exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, and movement control. These exercises help support the neck, reduce strain on irritated tissues, and improve overall function.

Postural Correction

Poor posture often plays a significant role in neck pain and headaches.

We help patients understand how posture affects their symptoms and provide practical strategies to improve alignment during work, driving, exercise, and daily activities.

Ergonomic Recommendations

Many neck problems are aggravated by workstation setup, smartphone use, or repetitive work activities.

We provide individualized recommendations to help reduce unnecessary strain and create a more supportive environment for healing.

Long-Term Prevention

Our goal is not only to help you feel better today but to reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning in the future.

By addressing the root cause of the problem and teaching you strategies for self-management, we help you build lasting improvements that support long-term health and function.

Looking For A Long-Term Solution?

Pain medication may temporarily mask symptoms, but identifying and correcting the underlying cause is often the key to lasting relief.

Request your appointment today to learn how physical therapy can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches originating from the neck that are often associated with stiffness, poor posture, and upper cervical dysfunction.

Tension Headaches

Recurring headaches commonly linked to muscle tension, stress, and postural strain.

Chronic Neck Pain

Persistent neck pain lasting longer than three months that interferes with work, sleep, recreation, or daily activities.

Whiplash Injuries

Neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and stiffness following motor vehicle accidents or other traumatic events.

Tech Neck

Pain and dysfunction resulting from prolonged smartphone, tablet, and computer use.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Nerve irritation in the neck that may cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Age-related changes in the cervical spine that may contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Postural Dysfunction

Movement and alignment problems that place excessive stress on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back.

Concussion & Post-Concussion Symptoms

We help individuals experiencing headaches, dizziness, neck pain, balance problems, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms following a concussion. Because concussion and whiplash injuries frequently occur together, our evaluation process helps identify all contributing factors, so an individualized treatment plan can be developed.

→ Learn More About Concussion & Whiplash Treatment

Choosing the right healthcare provider can make all the difference when it comes to overcoming neck pain and headaches.

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we believe that successful treatment begins with understanding the unique factors contributing to your symptoms. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate each patient and develop an individualized treatment plan.

One-on-One Care

Every treatment session is focused on you. We prioritize personalized attention to ensure your concerns are heard and your treatment plan evolves as you progress.

Finding The Root Cause

Our goal is not simply to reduce symptoms temporarily. We work to identify and address the underlying movement limitations, muscle imbalances, and lifestyle factors contributing to your condition.

Evidence-Based Treatment

We utilize proven treatment approaches supported by current research and clinical experience to help patients achieve meaningful, lasting improvements.

Education and Empowerment

We believe patients achieve the best outcomes when they understand their condition. Throughout the treatment process, we provide education and practical strategies that help you take an active role in your recovery.

Serving Spokane Valley and Surrounding Communities

We proudly help individuals throughout Spokane Valley, Spokane, Liberty Lake, Veradale, Millwood, and the surrounding areas overcome neck pain and headaches so they can return to the activities they enjoy most.

Take The First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to keep living with neck pain or headaches.

Whether your symptoms started recently or you’ve been struggling for years, we’re here to help.

Can physical therapy help headaches?

Yes. Many headaches are influenced by problems within the neck, including muscle tension, joint dysfunction, poor posture, and movement restrictions. Physical therapy can help address these contributing factors and may reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Can neck pain cause headaches?

Absolutely. The muscles, joints, and nerves of the upper neck can refer pain into the head, creating headaches that are often mistaken for migraines or tension headaches.

Can a concussion cause neck pain and headaches?

Yes. Concussions and whiplash injuries frequently occur together following car accidents, sports injuries, and falls. Many individuals experience a combination of headaches, neck pain, dizziness, balance problems, sensitivity to light, and difficulty concentrating after these injuries.

Because symptoms may originate from both the neck and the concussion itself, it is important to receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the true source of your symptoms. Proper diagnosis helps ensure that all contributing factors are addressed and that you receive the most effective treatment possible.

If your symptoms began after an accident or sports injury, learn more about our specialized Concussion & Whiplash Treatment Program.

Learn More About Concussion & Whiplash Treatment

How long does physical therapy take for neck pain?

The timeline varies depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while others with chronic conditions may require a longer course of treatment.

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in Washington?

In many cases, no referral is necessary. Direct access laws allow many patients to begin physical therapy without first seeing a physician. We can help determine whether a referral is needed for your specific situation.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Yes. Poor posture places increased stress on the muscles and joints of the neck, which can contribute to both neck pain and headaches.
What causes chronic neck pain?

Common causes include poor posture, repetitive strain, previous injuries, arthritis, disc problems, muscle imbalances, and prolonged periods of sitting or computer use.

Is physical therapy better than medication for neck pain?

Medication may temporarily reduce symptoms, but physical therapy focuses on addressing the underlying causes of pain and improving long-term function.

What areas do you serve?

Gordon Physical Therapy proudly serves patients throughout Spokane Valley, Spokane, Liberty Lake, Veradale, Millwood, and the surrounding communities.

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Gordon Physical Therapy - Spokane Valley, WA

626 North Mullan Road #4, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

(509) 471-9757

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