The Best Exercise for Headaches and Neck Pain

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy looked at 20 people with headaches originating from the neck.  All participants attended 8 physical therapy sessions.  This included a manual therapy technique and instruction in a single home exercise.

After 4 weeks, overall pain decreased by 66%.  Headache-related function improved by 60%.  Also, significant improvements in neck range of motion were achieved.

This small study proves several sessions with a physical therapist and regular performance of a single home exercise significantly improve headache symptoms.