I never thought much of headaches until the last year or so. I would get the occasional headache or migraine when I was sick, but otherwise, it never bothered me. It wasn't until recently did I start getting more regular (tension) headaches. They're not severe or debilitating by any means, but they're just there. Sometimes, it's weather-related; sometimes, it's hormone-related. They'll come and they'll go without much warning whatsoever. I learned in the past few months that a lot of people suffer from chronic headaches. I even came across a couple of kids under 10 years old who's had migraines for years! Depending on the cause of the headaches, most people don't realize that physiotherapy can actually help with symptom management.
One type of headache that responds really well to physiotherapy is called a cervicogenic headache. These headaches are caused by abnormal stress in structures of the neck (joints, discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments, etc.) that refer pain up into the head . Symptoms may include the following:
- Pain that is most often unilateral or worse on one side of the head
- Pain that starts in the back of the head or neck and spreads forward to the top of the skull, forehead, eyes, or temples
- Pain that is exacerbated by neck movements or posture
- Pain that is associated with neck pain or dysfunction
- Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus, sensitivity to light and sound, decreased concentration, or light-headedness
Physiotherapy can help in many ways to correct the dysfunctions that are responsible for causing these headaches. Stiff joints can be loosened via mobilization techniques, traction, or manipulation. Tight or overactive muscles may require stretching, soft tissue release, massage, acupuncture, dry needling, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. Weak muscles or unstable joints may be addressed by specific strengthening exercises. Nerve dysfunction may be treated by modalities or neurodynamic techniques, depending on the examination findings. Helpful advice can be provided to increase awareness regarding postures and awkward positions to avoid, ergonomic setups, self-management techniques, and future prevention strategies.
Clients that I've seen presenting with cervicogenic headaches respond extremely well to physiotherapy. Most of the time, results are instantaneous. It's surprising how they can walk into the clinic with a headache and walk out with complete relief. Obviously, if the underlying causes of the headaches are not addressed, symptoms will come back. That's why I always tell people the importance of sticking to a rehab program to correct the cause of the problem!
If you or a loved one suffer from headaches, don't hesitate to seek for help from a physiotherapist. We can help.
