Headaches & Neck Pain
How Physiotherapy Can Help With Neck Related Headaches
Headaches are a common source of discomfort, affecting nearly two-thirds of the population and causing significant disability when severe. Physiotherapy primarily treats Cervicogenic Headaches and Tension-type headaches. While Physiotherapy may also help with Migraines, treatment focuses on relieving associated muscle stiffness and spasms.
Cervicogenic Headaches
A cervicogenic headache is a type of referred pain originating from the neck, often triggered by neck trauma, arthritis, sprains, whiplash, or nerve compression. Poor sleeping positions and prolonged neck and upper back strain can also contribute to its onset. Typically felt as a dull ache starting at the base of the skull and extending to one side of the head, it is characterized by stiffness and discomfort when moving the neck. Symptoms include intermittent or constant pain that worsens with neck or head movements, accompanied at times by light-headedness, dizziness, and tinnitus.
Physiotherapy can effectively alleviate cervicogenic headaches by addressing underlying neck issues. Unlike primary headaches such as tension headaches or migraines, which originate within the head itself, cervicogenic headaches respond quickly to physiotherapeutic interventions targeting the neck, offering prompt relief and symptom management.
Tension-type Headaches
A tension-type headache, the most common type, is characterized by increased muscular tension in the neck and shoulders, often creating a sensation like a tight band around the head and forehead. It is associated with factors such as stress, poor posture, and repetitive movements, though its exact cause remains unclear. Typically, these headaches manifest as a gradual onset of throbbing pain, primarily affecting young adults and often not exacerbated by physical activity. Symptoms may include sensitivity to light and sound, but nausea and vomiting are generally absent.
Migraines
A migraine is a severe neurological headache characterized by throbbing pain typically on one side of the head. It often accompanies symptoms such as visual disturbances like bright lights or blind spots, changes in speech, ringing in the ears, temporary vision loss, and alterations in smell or taste. Migraines can last from four hours to several days and worsen with physical activity, exposure to bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors.
Your Next Step - Tailored Physiotherapy Treatment
We focus on doing thorough assessments to find out what type of headache you have and what's causing it, so we can give you the best treatment. If your headache comes from issues in your spine, we use different techniques like hands-on therapy, soft tissue work, improving how your nerves move, fixing your posture, and strengthening your neck muscles to ease pain and help your spine work better.
Headaches from neck problems can be really uncomfortable. Contact us to find out how physiotherapy can help you feel better.