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Writer's pictureDr. Alfredo Petrone

Could Your Pelvis be Causing your Headache?

Headaches are a common and frustrating issue, but did you know they could be related to tension in other parts of your body—like your pelvis? Research has highlighted a surprising connection between headaches and pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The pelvic floor consists of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs, but when these muscles become tight, weak, or overly tense, they can contribute to pain elsewhere in the body, including headaches.

One of the most unique parts of Chiropractic Care, especially at Coastal Life Wellness, is that we look for the underlying issue that's causing the symptoms you're experiencing. Not just focusing on the collateral damage. The reality is that our bodies are far more complex and interconnected than we often recognize.


It might seem odd to link pelvic tension with headaches, but the body’s interconnected nature means that muscle tightness and imbalances in one area can affect others. Tension in the pelvic region can alter posture and muscle tone throughout the body, influencing the neck, shoulders, and head. This connection opens up new avenues for managing headaches, especially when combined with holistic therapies like massage, acupuncture and chiropractic care.


Here are five unexpected ways to find relief from headaches, with a focus on addressing pelvic floor tension.


1. Chiropractic Care: Changing the Spine for Whole-Body Relief


Chiropractic care is a valuable tool in addressing headaches that may be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. Because of the nature of chiropractic care, we are always looking to correct the dysfunction in the entirety of the spine, not just where you are feeling symptoms. Tension or instability in the pelvic area can affect posture and contribute to muscle strain in the back, neck, and shoulders—areas often associated with headaches. As a Chiropractor, we use hands-on techniques to improve mobility, function and alleviate tension throughout the body, which can have a positive impact on headache symptoms. By addressing these deeper layers of tension, chiropractic care can not only help with immediate headache relief but also reduce the frequency of chronic headaches over time.


2. Massage Therapy: Releasing Deep-Seated Tension


Massage therapy can be an effective way to manage both pelvic floor dysfunction and headaches. Tightness in the pelvic muscles can create a ripple effect of tension that reaches up the spine and into the neck and shoulders. The skilled massage therapists at Coastal Life Wellness, can work on releasing tension in the pelvic region as well as the muscles in the upper back and neck that are often involved in headaches. This holistic approach helps improve circulation, reduce muscle tightness, and promote relaxation, leading to a noticeable decrease in headache symptoms. Regular massage sessions can be a key part of maintaining a relaxed, balanced body, making it easier to manage and prevent headaches.


3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques


Stress plays a significant role in both headaches and pelvic floor dysfunction. When we’re stressed, we tend to tense muscles throughout our bodies—including the pelvic floor—without even realizing it. Think of a time when someone cuts off while you are driving or you're running late for an appointment. Tension can be experienced throughout yours body, not just in your head and neck. This can lead to a cycle of chronic tension that contributes to headaches. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided meditation can help calm the nervous system and encourage muscle relaxation. These methods can be particularly effective when used alongside physical therapies, helping to reduce overall tension levels and making headaches less frequent and severe.


4. Yoga for the Pelvic Floor and Headache Relief


Yoga is a gentle way to manage both pelvic floor dysfunction and headaches. Specific poses, such as Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) and Happy Baby Pose, can help relax the pelvic floor, while poses like Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, and Legs-Up-the-Wall are great for easing tension in the neck and upper back. By incorporating yoga into your routine, you can address tightness in multiple areas of the body at once. This whole-body approach can help reduce stress, release muscle tension, and promote a sense of calm, which all contribute to fewer headaches.


5. Acupuncture: Balancing the Body’s Energy


Acupuncture has long been used to treat headaches, but it can also be helpful for addressing pelvic floor dysfunction. By targeting specific energy points in the body, acupuncture can help release tension in both the pelvis and the areas that contribute to headaches, like the neck and shoulders. This practice helps to balance the body’s energy flow, known as “qi,” and can activate the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms. Many people find that acupuncture not only provides immediate relief from headache pain but also helps with overall muscle relaxation, making it a valuable option for those seeking a more integrated approach to pain management.


Connecting the Dots Between Headaches and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction


Though the link between headaches and pelvic floor dysfunction might seem unexpected, addressing tension and imbalances in the pelvic region can have a positive impact on headache symptoms. Remember, that our bodies are incredibly complex and connected and we need to move away from the approach of only focusing on the highly symptomatic areas. By focusing on therapies that help release muscle tightness and improve overall body alignment, such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture and yoga, you can find relief that goes beyond the immediate symptoms. These approaches not only help to alleviate headaches but also support a more balanced, relaxed body that’s less prone to chronic pain.


At Coastal Life Wellness, we take a whole-body approach to health, offering chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage therapy to address the root causes of your discomfort. If you’re dealing with persistent headaches and suspect that pelvic tension might be a contributing factor, we’d love to help. Take control of your health and reach out to us today to learn more about how our services can support your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life.




Dr. Alfredo is a health enthusiast who’s goal is to help people and families live healthier, happier lives. My philosophy on health is simple - our body’s have the amazing ability and potential to self-adapt, self-regulate and THRIVE in this world.


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