Headaches are commonly experienced by a large proportion of the population. In fact, a recent Melbourn study showed that 87% of all the subjects have suffered from a headache in the past year. Of those surveyed, only 2% sought advice from physiotherapists—a surprisingly low number, considering how much physiotherapy can help.
In this article, Anytime Physio shares how physiotherapy can help those who experience frequent headaches. But first, let’s go over the different types of headaches:
- Tension headaches: Tension headaches are characterized by the feeling of having a tight band suppressing your head. It is often caused by physical or emotional stress. Tightening of the muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, and head may make this type of headache worse.
- Neck headaches: Neck headaches often result from the pain that roots from an underlying issue with the neck. The symptoms felt are similar to that of a tension headache or even a migraine, which makes it harder to diagnose.
- Cluster headaches: One of the most painful types of headaches, cluster headaches radiate behind and around the eye on just one side of the head. The cause of this type of headache and unlike migraines and tension headaches, there’s no link between triggers like stress or food and cluster headaches.
- Migraines: Migraines are a common complaint and present as a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. They are often accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and more. Migraines may be caused by serotonin imbalance and triggered by certain food or lifestyle changes.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Those Suffering From Headaches
Drugs and other medication can provide some relief for isolated headaches, but if you frequently experience pain, you can’t rely on medicines without risking your overall health. What should you do then?
Consulting with a physiotherapist can help determine where your headaches are coming from. This professional’s familiarity with human physiology and different types of pain can narrow down the potential causes and formulate a treatment plan. For instance, if your therapist finds that your neck’s soft tissue is one of the causes of your headaches, they may perform manipulation and rehabilitation exercises, as well as relaxation therapy massage. Additionally, you may be given a specific physiotherapy program that can address various musculoskeletal issues.
There are exercises that can be taught by your physiotherapist which can help loosen and relax the muscles, thus preventing tension headaches. Different techniques such as myofascial release can also strengthen the neck muscles. If the problem is coming from the jaw or the face, stimulation of trigger points with tennis balls might help.
Of course, exercises are not the only thing physiotherapists can suggest. Massage therapy, lifestyle changes, and more may also be advised to prevent headaches. Here are some things that your physiologist might tell you to do:
- Keep your posture correct.
- Frequently stretch when you work for long periods of time.
- Keep a good sleeping position and use the best pillow for your needs.
- Learn to relax to avoid tension.
Your physiologist may also work with your physician if your headaches are complex, as with migraine cases. Also, if your headaches occur when you are pregnant, if you have a pre-existing health concern like cancer or HIV, or if you had recent head trauma, your physiologist might advise that you seek the help of your doctor first.
Conclusion
You don’t have to bear the pain that headaches bring, especially if they get in the way of your daily activities. A quick visit to a trusted physiotherapist can provide you with relief that you wouldn’t get by simply popping some pills.
Anytime Physio is Brisbane’s physiotherapy experts that you can rely on to provide you with effective and affordable solutions to your headaches and migraines. We only use evidence-based methods that can help treat and even prevent the occurrence of debilitating headaches. Contact us today to book an appointment!
