Condition Pain Condition Benchmarked

Tension Headaches

Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches driven by cervical dysfunction, forward head posture, upper trapezius tension, and breathing pattern disorders. Assessment targets the musculoskeletal contributors to headache frequency and intensity.

Clinical note: Headaches with visual disturbance, vomiting, worst-ever intensity, or sudden onset require immediate medical evaluation to rule out intracranial pathology.
6
ROM Tests
4
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
5
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Cervical Flexion Extension
2 Cervical Axial Rotation
3 Cervical Lateral Flexion
4 Thoracic Extension
5 Shoulder Horizontal Abduction
6 Diaphragmatic Assessment

Risk Factors Assessed

Cervical Flexion Extension
Cervical Axial Rotation
Thoracic Extension
Diaphragmatic Assessment

Expected Timeline

4-8 weeks for frequency reduction, 12-20 weeks for significant improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tension headaches be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 4-8 weeks for frequency reduction, 12-20 weeks for significant improvement. The protocol includes 4 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for tension headaches?
The protocol assesses Cervical Flexion Extension, Cervical Axial Rotation, Cervical Lateral Flexion, Thoracic Extension. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is tension headaches the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the Tension Headaches protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the Tension Headaches protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your Tension Headaches assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

Apply for Assessment

Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Pain Condition
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
4
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
5
Timeline
4-8 weeks for frequency reduction, 12-20 weeks for significant improvement
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