Pediatric Headaches: There’s a Better Way Forward
Maybe you’ve been there.
Your child wakes up with a headache one morning. You give them some Tylenol, make sure they’re hydrated, and the symptoms go away—for a little while.
But then it happens again. And again.
You start wondering if it’s more than screen time or not enough sleep. You grew up with migraine attacks as a teen, and you worry they might be going through the same thing.
You reach out to their pediatrician. You try medication.
It helps a bit, but not always.
And in the back of your mind, you wonder:
● Will they miss more school?
● Will this keep them from doing what they love?
You’re not alone in asking these questions.
Pediatric Headaches Are More Common Than You Think
Many parents are surprised to learn how early pediatric headaches can begin.
In fact, research shows that 50% of children experience a headache by age 7, and over 75% by age 15. These aren’t just “growing pains.”
Sometimes they’re dismissed as stress or hormones, but pediatric headaches can be part of a chronic pattern—especially if there’s a family history.
You want more than a temporary fix.
You want your child to thrive, not just push through the pain.
What I Noticed in My Work with Adults
When I started out as a physical therapist, I worked mainly with adults who had long-standing headaches, jaw pain, and migraine.
One of the things I realized: nearly all of them said their symptoms began in their teen or pre-teen years.
That changed everything for me. I saw how early intervention could change the trajectory of someone’s health—and life.
What if kids could learn that their body isn’t broken?
What if they had tools that helped them feel better, sooner?
That’s why I began focusing on pediatric headache care—because it’s not only possible to help, it’s powerful to start early.
Our Approach to Pediatric Headaches at Gate City Physio
At Gate City Physio, we take a neuro-orthopedic approach to pediatric headaches and migraine. That means we look at how the nervous system, jaw, muscles, and posture all work together—or, in many cases, don’t.
Treatment often includes:
● Gentle, hands-on care to release tension in the neck, jaw, and head
● Nervous system retraining tools like breathwork and sensory retraining
● Simple movement and posture work to increase body confidence
● Empowering education—so kids and parents understand what’s happening and why
Most importantly, we help your child feel safe, understood, and in control of their body.
We also stay in communication with your child’s other providers—like their pediatrician or dentist—because being on the same page leads to better outcomes.
A Space Where Kids (and Parents) Feel Heard and Supported
Whether your child is anxious, active, reserved, or unsure, our goal is to meet them where they are.
We focus on what matters most to them:
● Fewer headaches
● More school days
● More time doing what they love
We don’t just track pain—we track joy, confidence, and progress.
When to Reach Out for Help
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse before getting support.
Here are a few signs it might be time to reach out:
● Headaches are happening weekly or more
● Your child is missing school, sports, or social events
● They’ve had braces, a concussion, or deal with anxiety
● Medication helps—but symptoms keep coming back
● You feel like something’s being missed
You’re Not Alone—and There’s Hope
Pediatric headaches don’t have to be a life sentence. There are ways to treat them that go beyond medication and help your child feel strong, resilient, and understood.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute video consult to hear your story, answer your questions, and help you decide what next steps are best.
Together, we can help your child build a better relationship with their body—and a brighter future.
Dr. Corey Hillman is a Physical Therapist and owner of Gate City Physio—a specialized physical therapy clinic in Greensboro. He helps adults and kids suffering from jaw pain, headaches, and migraine regain their freedom and get back to enjoying the little things in life.
Instagram/Facebook: @gate_city_physio
Website: gborophysio.com
This blog is sponsored by Gate City Physio.
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