A headache between the eyebrows is one of those symptoms that can range from mildly annoying to genuinely debilitating. It often comes with a sensation of pressure, tightness or throbbing right at the centre of the forehead, and for many people it becomes a recurring problem that disrupts work, concentration and daily life.
Understanding what is actually causing this type of headache is the key to treating it properly. At The Green Clinic in Edgware, we help patients identify the root cause of their headaches and find the right treatment to provide lasting relief.
Sinus Congestion and Sinusitis
One of the most common causes of a headache between the eyebrows is sinus congestion. The frontal sinuses sit directly behind the forehead and above the eyes, and when they become inflamed or blocked due to infection, allergies or a cold, the resulting pressure can cause significant pain in this area.
Sinusitis-related headaches tend to worsen when you lean forward, are often accompanied by a blocked or runny nose, and may feel more intense in the mornings. The pain can radiate across the forehead and down behind the eyes.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most frequently reported type of headache overall, and they commonly produce pain around the forehead and between the eyebrows. They are typically described as a steady, pressing sensation rather than a throbbing one, and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
The main triggers include stress, poor posture, prolonged screen use, disrupted sleep and muscular tension in the neck and shoulders. If you spend long hours at a desk or working from home, tension headaches are particularly likely to develop over time.
Eye Strain
Spending extended periods focusing on screens, reading in poor lighting, or working without the correct glasses prescription can cause the muscles around and behind the eyes to fatigue. This often results in a dull ache centred between the eyebrows, sometimes accompanied by blurred vision, dry eyes or sensitivity to light.
Eye strain headaches tend to improve with rest and are often worse towards the end of the working day. If you notice this pattern, it is worth having your vision checked as well as reviewing your screen habits and workstation setup.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Not all headaches originate in the head. Cervicogenic headaches begin in the neck and refer pain upwards into the head, often presenting at the base of the skull, behind the eyes and between the eyebrows. They are caused by problems in the cervical spine, such as stiffness, joint dysfunction or muscular tension in the upper neck.
These headaches are closely linked to back and neck pain and are commonly seen in people who sit for long periods, carry stress in their shoulders, or have sustained a whiplash injury. The pain is usually one-sided and worsens with certain neck movements or prolonged postures.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a surprisingly common and overlooked cause of frontal headaches. When the body is not adequately hydrated, the brain can temporarily contract slightly, triggering pain receptors. This often presents as a throbbing or pressing sensation across the forehead and between the eyes.
If your headache tends to appear in the afternoon, when you have been particularly active, or after consuming alcohol, dehydration may be a contributing factor. Increasing your water intake throughout the day is a simple but effective step.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
If your headaches between the eyebrows are frequent, worsening, or linked to neck stiffness and poor posture, physiotherapy can make a significant difference. Many headaches have a musculoskeletal component that responds very well to targeted treatment.
At The Green Clinic, your physiotherapist will carry out a full assessment to identify whether your headaches are being driven by tension, postural problems, or dysfunction in the cervical spine. Manual therapy can be used to mobilise stiff joints and release tight muscles in the neck and upper back, addressing the root cause rather than simply managing the pain.
Acupuncture is another highly effective treatment for headaches, particularly those linked to muscular tension and stress. Fine needles are placed at specific points to reduce pain, ease tension and support the body’s natural recovery process. Many patients find acupuncture provides relief where other treatments have had limited success.
When Should You Seek Help?
Most headaches between the eyebrows are not a cause for serious concern, but you should seek professional advice if your headaches are becoming more frequent, are not responding to over-the-counter pain relief, are accompanied by vision changes, fever or a stiff neck, or if they follow a head injury. You can read more about the range of common problems we treat at The Green Clinic.
Book an Appointment at The Green Clinic
Our experienced team has been helping patients across Edgware, Stanmore, Mill Hill and Harrow find lasting relief from headaches and related conditions for over 20 years. All our physiotherapists are fully registered with the CSP and HCPC, and every treatment plan is tailored to you.
We offer same-day appointments, free parking, and flexible hours including evenings and Sundays. Book an appointment today or call us on 020 8728 0625 to take the first step towards fewer headaches and better quality of life.
