Conquering Headaches: How Physiotherapy Offers Effective Relief and Long-Term Solutions
Friday, September 6, 2024
Headaches are a common condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. While they are a relatively prevalent complaint, many people do not know that multiple types of headache exist and therefore do not know the different management options they have available to them. Understanding the different types of headaches and how physiotherapy can effectively manage them is crucial for those seeking relief and long-term solutions.
Types of Headaches
Primary Headaches are not caused by an underlying medical condition.
These include:
- Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache, often characterised by a dull, aching pain and a sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head.
- Migraines: Intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last from a few hours to several days.
- Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, typically on one side of the head. They are often accompanied by tearing or redness in the eye and nasal congestion.
Secondary Headaches are a result of another medical condition, such as sinus infections, head injuries, or cervical spine issues.
The location of your headache can sometimes indicate to you the type of headache you may have. Some common examples are shown below:
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is one effective, non-invasive treatment option for managing certain types of headaches, especially those originating from a musculoskeletal cause. According to recent studies, physiotherapy can help predominantly with cervicogenic headaches (headaches caused by issues in the cervical spine) and occasionally with tension type headache and migraine. In order to assist patients with headache a physiotherapist will:
- Perform a comprehensive assessment and form a diagnosis
- Perform manual therapy techniques suited to the type of headache that the patient presents with e.g. cervical spine mobilisations, trigger point therapy, dry needling
- Prescribe appropriate mobility and strengthening exercises to improve posture, range of movement and strength
- Provide advice and education to help patients self manage following treatment
Conclusion
Headaches can significantly affect daily life, but effective management is possible with the right approach. Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive, non-invasive solution to address the underlying causes of various types of headaches. At Physio Inq Sutherland we use bedside testing to diagnose and treat headaches in an evidence-based framework. This allows us to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms, help you to understand your condition and create a personalised treatment plan that helps you move forward! If you are having any signs of neck pain or headaches contact us and book an appointment today.
