Headaches: How your physio can help

Headaches are one of the most commonly reported conditions with most of the world’s adult population having experienced a headache at some time or another.

There are many different factors which can contribute to developing a headache. These causes may vary between each individual, and depend on what type of headache you are experiencing.

What type of headache do I have?

There are three main types of headaches; migraines, neck-related tension and/or cervicogenic headaches, and trigeminal headaches.

Neck-related headaches such as tension and cervicogenic headaches are the most commonly experienced type of headache and account for up to 22 per cent of all headaches. A neck-related headache can last minutes to days. The pain can be on one or both sides of the head and neck and can change location. The pain can be associated with a pressing, tightening or stiffening quality. Nausea is usually not a symptom, but light sensitivity or sound sensitivity can be.

Tension headaches are caused by tight or contracted muscles of the neck, scalp, face or jaw. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by dysfunction of the joints in the upper neck. The Atlanto-occipital joint (O-C1), Atlanto-axial joint (C1/2), and C2/3 cervical spine joints are the neck joints most commonly involved in neck headaches.

Can physiotherapy help me with my headaches?

Well the good news is yes! Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating neck-related headaches.

Studies have shown that manual therapy (physio) is as effective if not more effective, than medication alone. When your body experiences dysfunction (not moving as it should) at any of the muscles and joints around your neck, this stimulates the nerves and lower part of your brainstem, which is then interpreted by the brain as a headache.

A tension or cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder, meaning it is caused by problems at the neck.

By addressing the dysfunction at the neck, your headache can be alleviated. If the dysfunction is stiffness or not enough movement, mobilisation, stretching, acupuncture, dry needling, trigger point and manipulation are some of the treatment options that can be used.

If the dysfunction is weakness or instability, meaning there is too much movement, gentle and specific strengthening exercises can be taught to address the issue. These techniques are great ways to reduce acute headaches and neck pain.

How can I prevent future headaches?

In order to prevent these headaches from returning it is important the primary, underlying factor is addressed. The position in which you hold your head during certain activities or postures is an important factor than can affect your headaches. For some, retraining and strengthening may be necessary.

This is where Back In Motion can assist in managing your long term goals by using the Results 4 life Program. The Results 4 Life Program is our clinical approach for helping you achieve lifelong physical health hopefully headache free!

Author

Michelle Samaras - Physiotherapist at Back In Motion Woodville

Michelle brings a vibrancy and fresh approach to physio at Back In Motion. Michelle loves dance, both performing and teaching it regularly. This gives her wonderful insight into what is required to keep moving well. She is developing her skills in Clinical Exercise classes, both as rehabilitation and prevention of injuries. She has recently added dry needling/acupuncture to her repetoire and she has loved the benefit that this approach gives to clients.