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Dry Needling for Cervicogenic Headaches in Columbia, SC

At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, we work with patients who suffer from persistent neck pain and headaches that haven’t improved with traditional approaches. One of the most effective treatment options we offer is dry needling, particularly targeting a deep muscle called the Obliquus Capitis Inferior (OCI).

What Is the OCI and Why Does It Matter?

The OCI is one of the suboccipital muscles located at the base of your skull. When this muscle becomes tight or irritated, it can compress the suboccipital nerve and contribute to a type of headache called a cervicogenic headache. These headaches often start in the neck and wrap around the head, radiating into the temple, jaw, behind the eye, or even into the teeth.

This happens due to referral patterns into the trigeminocervical nucleus, a key structure where upper cervical nerves and cranial nerves (like CN V, VII, IX, X, XI, and cervical nerves C1–C2) converge. Tension in the OCI can light up this system and result in persistent, often misunderstood head pain.

How Dry Needling Helps

Dry needling is a targeted manual therapy technique used by our Doctors of Physical Therapy to release tension in deep muscular structures. When applied to the OCI, dry needling can:

  • Decrease pressure on the suboccipital nerve
  • Improve upper cervical mobility
  • Reduce neural irritation to the trigeminocervical complex
  • Provide long-term relief from cervicogenic headaches

Watch the Technique

Below is a demonstration of dry needling the OCI, performed by Dr. Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS. This technique is performed with precision and care to target the deep suboccipital region effectively and safely.

Serving Columbia and the Surrounding Areas

Vertex PT Specialists provides physical therapy services including dry needling for cervicogenic headaches across Columbia, Cayce-West Columbia, Lexington, and Cayce, SC. If you’ve been dealing with chronic headaches and haven’t found relief, we encourage you to reach out.

Contact Us

Reach out to us today to schedule your evaluation with one of our licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy Let us help you get to the root cause of your headaches and build a path forward.

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Mastering Dry Needling for the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

At Vertex PT Specialists, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of physical therapy techniques. In our latest video, Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, demonstrates and instructs on the proper technique for dry needling the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)—a vital treatment for addressing low back pain and dysfunction.

Check out the video below to see Brandon guide you through this advanced dry needling technique step by step:

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a powerful treatment designed to relieve muscle pain, trigger points, and movement restrictions. By using thin, sterile needles, physical therapists can target specific muscle groups, leading to:

  • Improved Circulation: Enhances the healing process by increasing blood flow.
  • Pain Relief: Releases tension in tight muscles.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Restores proper function and range of motion.

Why Focus on the QL?

The Quadratus Lumborum is a deep-seated muscle located in the lower back. Dysfunction in the QL can lead to:

  • Persistent low back pain
  • Limited hip mobility
  • Referred pain to the glutes or pelvis

Brandon Vaughn’s demonstration highlights how precise dry needling can effectively alleviate QL-related symptoms, making it an invaluable tool in physical therapy.

About Brandon Vaughn

Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is a seasoned physical therapist and the owner of Vertex PT Specialists. With a wealth of experience and advanced certifications, Brandon specializes in helping patients achieve optimal recovery and performance. In this video, he shares his expertise to empower other therapists and educate patients about effective treatment options.

Why Choose Vertex PT Specialists?

At Vertex PT Specialists, our team of highly trained therapists uses evidence-based techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, we’re here to help.

Learn More or Book an Appointment

Want to know more about dry needling and how it can benefit you? Contact us today at info@vertexpt.com or call 803-973-0100 to schedule your appointment.

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