Gentle upper-trapezius stretch
Candidate for clinician review. Suitability, technique, range, and dose must be set before this becomes a patient recommendation.
Condition guide
Cervicogenic headaches care in Pleasanton
Some headaches are associated with the neck. A clinical assessment is important because headache patterns overlap and require different care.
Clinical review draft. The three mobility and three exercise slots below are proposed selections, not yet Dr. Nick’s approved recommendations. This page is not a personalized exercise prescription.
Understand the conditionStart with
Start with
the right questions.
Some headaches are associated with the neck. A clinical assessment is important because headache patterns overlap and require different care.
At Foundations, your history, examination, and goals guide whether chiropractic care, soft tissue work, exercise, or referral is appropriate.
Patient education handout · Draft for clinician review · October 2026
Are all headaches caused by the neck?
No. Migraine, tension-type headache, and other conditions can share symptoms. Do not assume a headache is cervicogenic without evaluation.
How does the Foundations approach begin?
We discuss your headache history, relevant symptoms, and function before deciding whether neck-focused care or another evaluation is appropriate.
When is a headache an emergency?
A sudden extremely severe headache, or a headache with new neurological symptoms, requires emergency medical care.
Three stretch & mobility candidates
Gentle levator-scapulae stretch
Candidate for clinician review. Suitability, technique, range, and dose must be set before this becomes a patient recommendation.
Supported chest-opening stretch
Candidate for clinician review. Suitability, technique, range, and dose must be set before this becomes a patient recommendation.
Three exercise candidates
Deep-neck-flexor nod
Candidate for clinician review. Suitability, technique, range, and dose must be set before this becomes a patient recommendation.
Scapular retraction
Candidate for clinician review. Suitability, technique, range, and dose must be set before this becomes a patient recommendation.
Comfortable neck rotation
Candidate for clinician review. Suitability, technique, range, and dose must be set before this becomes a patient recommendation.
Make the program fit you.
The eight Foundations patterns organize movement choices. Accessory work and variations can be added around your condition, goals, equipment, and clinical findings. A condition name alone does not determine a safe program.
Background reading: Existing Foundations headache guide. Exercise candidates also draw on the supplied Foundations working materials and require review.
Let’s understand
your next step.
Tell us what matters to you. We’ll discuss where you are today and what an appropriate next step could look like.
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