What do you do when you have a headache?
Let me guess; you would grab a Pain Killer or if it persists you visit your GP who may also give you Pain Killers. But you know what? Sometimes all you need is the tension released in the muscles surrounding the head and neck – Especially if you are suffering headaches on a regular basis.
In this post you will learn what the experts here at Faye Pattison Physiotherapy say and how we can help you to deal with a Headache and get rid of the pain.
What is Headache?
Before starting, let’s get into – what is a headache.
A headache is symptoms of pain in the head and neck region. It ranges from mild to severe pain. Sleep disturbance, fatigue, stress, viral infections, common colds, head injury, dental or sinus issues, side effects of medications and rapid ingestion of cold food or beverages, muscle tension are some of the common causes of Headaches.
Weak neck muscles, trigger points, muscle tightness, restricted Range of Movement (ROM) of the neck and poor posture of the head also cause Headaches. In such cases, Physiotherapy & soft tissue therapy is an essential core part of treatment.
If you suffer from frequent headaches and / or for long durations, then it can impact your life, your family’s life and your Working Environment. Therefore, it is essential to get the right treatment for your headache as soon as possible.
Classifications of a headache
According to wikipedia “Headache is the symptom of pain anywhere in the region of the head or neck”
Broadly headaches are classified as Primary and Secondary headaches.
Primary Headache
A primary headache can cause severe pain and disability, but it is not dangerous. If there isn’t any underlying disease or injury that causes a headache is classified as Primary Headache. A migraine is one of the examples of a Primary Headache.
Secondary Headache
If a headache is caused due to the underlying cause, such as head injury, head bleed, infections, tumor and vascular disorders are classified as a Secondary Headache.
Cervicogenic Headache
Have you tried any of the following treatments or assessments for a Headache?
1. Analgesics (painkillers) – but the pain kept on coming again?
2. Been prescribed glasses from the opticians – And the pain mildly decreased?
3. Had Scans such as an ultrasound, X-ray or MRI – no abnormalities found?
4. Had your posture at your office assessed and told what to do – But still suffering?
5. Been prescribed a custom night guard to avoid the teeth clench from the dentist?
If any of the above did NOT help you to get rid of a headache, then I am sure you are suffering from a Cervicogenic / myogenic type of Headache (muscle related) and you will benefit from seeing a member of our expert team of physiotherapists and soft tissue therapists.
The major contributors to a Cervicogenic headache are
• Poor posture
• Weak neck muscles
• Tight Neck Muscles
• Trigger points on Neck Muscles
• Stiffness of Neck and Upper Back joints
• Sports Injuries
At Faye Pattison Physiotherapy, we assess your Neck Posture, check for muscle imbalances and neck range of motion to assess possible stiffness and Manipulate for the presence of Trigger points. Not only do we look at your neck, we check your biomechanics as a whole from head to toe.
After finding out the exact cause of your headache, we work with you to reduce your pain, resolve your problem and help with any imbalances and corrections accordingly to help you keep your headaches at bay an under control.
Interventions for a headache
1. Soft tissue therapy
2. Physiotherapy
3. Postural Corrections
4. Neck muscle Strengthening
5. Neck Muscle Stretching
6. Range of Motion exercises for the Neck
7. Quick and easy tips to integrate into your daily life
8. Acupuncture
9. Dry Needling (intramuscular stimulation)
Conclusion
Most of us consider a headache as general Medical signs and symptoms. But it is not, your Physical related issues such as muscles, joints, neck movements and Posture are also major contributors to cause Headaches and migraines.
Do not just sit back and let the headache take off and complain that nothing is helping. Drop us an email with your symptoms and we’ll put you in front one of our experts or book an appointment online with a physiotherapist or soft tissue therapist to get assessed, evaluated, treated and pain free.
