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How to Get Relief From Your Headaches

If you are experiencing the pulsating pain of headaches, that turn every day into a struggle, you're not alone. In my experience as a physiotherapist, I have treated many clients grappling with the complexities and burden of headaches. Here, I will share my knowledge of lasting relief through the lens of physiotherapy, offering a comprehensive approach to the challenges associated with persistent headaches.

What Types of headaches are there?

Let’s explore various types of headaches, shedding light on their distinct characteristics and potential triggers. It's important to note that while this information provides a general overview, seeking professional medical advice is essential for a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan.

Tension-Type Headaches (TTH)

Let's start with the most common culprit: tension-type headaches. Picture a constant pressure or tightness around your head – that's the signature of a tension headache. The good news is that these headaches are typically not severe and don't come with a host of additional symptoms.

Causes and Triggers:

Tension headaches often tag along with stress, poor posture, or a lack of sleep. Dehydration can also sneak in as a contributor.

Management and Treatment:

Stress management techniques, relaxation exercises, and regular breaks from prolonged activities are always on my list of recommendations for TTH. Over-the-counter pain medication may provide temporary relief, but it's important to address the actual underlying causes. Tension-type headaches are common and can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments and appropriate pain relief

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches deserve a special mention due to their unique origin. Unlike other headaches that primarily involve the head itself, cervicogenic headaches stem from problems in the neck. This distinction highlights the interconnectedness of various body parts in contributing to headache symptoms.

Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the neck or cervical spine.
Pain is typically experienced on one side of the head and may radiate from the neck.
Triggers often include neck trauma, poor posture, or underlying cervical spine conditions.
These headaches may be accompanied by restricted neck movement and tenderness in the neck muscles.

Causes and Triggers:

Cervicogenic headaches often arise from neck trauma, sustained poor posture, or underlying cervical spine conditions such as arthritis or disc issues. The pain experienced is usually one-sided and may extend from the neck to the head. Individuals with cervicogenic headaches may also notice restricted neck movement and tenderness in the neck muscles.

Management and Treatment:

Addressing cervicogenic headaches involves managing the underlying neck issues. This may include physiotherapy, exercises to improve posture and neck strength, and, in some cases, medications for pain relief. A thorough evaluation by a physiotherapist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and the development of an effective treatment plan.

Migraine Headaches

Characterised by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, migraines can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some individuals even experience an "aura" beforehand, marked by visual disturbances or other sensory changes.

Causes and Triggers:

For many it is difficult to pinpoint a trigger of a migraine. Genetics, hormonal changes, and certain food or environmental triggers can set the stage for migraines. Stress and lack of sleep may also join the list of possible triggers.

Management and Treatment:

It’s my job to help my clients identify and dodge those triggers, and when the pain hits, medications for acute relief combined with environmental factors such as limiting bright lights, loud noises, and strong odours may come into play.

Cluster Headaches

Considered rare but incredibly intense, cluster headaches come in clusters or groups. The pain is often centered around one eye and may bring along nasal congestion, watery eyes, or a drooping eyelid on the affected side.

Causes and Triggers:

Cluster headaches are related to abnormal hypothalamus activity. Alcohol, specific foods, and smoking can provoke these intense episodes.

Management and Treatment:

During attacks, oxygen therapy, and specific medications can offer relief. For chronic cases, preventive measures may be prescribed. Bottom Line: Cluster headaches are fierce and may demand a combination of acute and preventive approaches. It is essential to consult a medical professional if you experience a cluster headache.

Sinus Headaches

Have you ever wondered if that throbbing sensation in your head is related to sinus issues? Sinus headaches are associated with sinusitis and typically cause pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. Keep an eye out for other symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose and fever.

Causes and Triggers:

These headaches stem from sinusitis or inflammation in the sinuses. Allergies, infections, or nasal polyps can play a role.

Management and Treatment: T

reating the underlying sinus issue is the go-to. Decongestants, pain relievers, and saline nasal irrigation may also lend a helping hand. Proper diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis are key for managing these types of headaches.

Exertional Headaches

For the fitness enthusiasts among us, exertional headaches can occur during or after intense physical activity. The good news is they're usually short-lived and tied to strenuous exercise.

Causes and Triggers:

Exertion headaches are triggered by strenuous physical activity. Dehydration, high altitude, or extreme temperatures can contribute to suffering from an exertion headache.

Management and Treatment:

It's important to gradually increase physical activity to avoid exertion headaches. Staying hydrated and identifying and avoiding triggers, are also key to managing the possible onset. For those training for a particular strenuous event, I also recommend you team up with a sports dietitian and your physiotherapist to manage the risk of exertion on the body.

How can a physiotherapist help your headaches?

Now that we have explored the types of headaches you might experience, how can I (a physio) help? Physiotherapists can treat various types of headaches, especially those that are related to musculoskeletal issues, tension, or poor posture. Here's how a physio might get you out of trouble with headaches.

Posture Correction

Physiotherapists are trained to assess and correct posture issues, which can be a significant contributor to tension headaches. Poor posture, especially in the neck and shoulders, can lead to muscle imbalances and increased tension, triggering headaches. Through targeted exercises and ergonomic advice, physiotherapy helps individuals improve their posture and reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue manipulation are integral components of physiotherapy. For my patients experiencing cervicogenic headaches, I often find manual therapy can help alleviate stiffness and tension in the neck, promoting a better range of motion and reducing headache symptoms.

Strengthening Exercises

Weakness in the neck and upper back muscles can contribute to headaches, especially tension headaches. Physiotherapists design specific exercises to strengthen these muscles, promoting better support for the head and reducing strain on the neck. This targeted strengthening can be crucial in preventing recurrent headaches.

Education and Lifestyle Modification

Physiotherapy involves educating individuals about lifestyle factors that may contribute to headaches. This includes advice on ergonomics, stress management, and exercises that can be incorporated into daily routines. By making informed lifestyle changes, individuals can proactively manage and prevent headaches.

Neurological Integration

Physiotherapists are trained to address neurological issues that may contribute to headaches, particularly migraines. Through specialised exercises and techniques, physiotherapy aims to improve neurological function and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Every individual is unique, and at Hastings Physio and Health Port Macquarie and Wauchope we recognise this by offering personalised treatment plans tailored to you are your goals. We assess your specific needs and underlying causes of headaches for each patient, tailoring interventions to address your unique condition.

Monitoring and Tracking Headaches

Your physiotherapist will help you keep a detailed headache diary to identify patterns and leverage technology for effective tracking. This proactive approach aids in tailoring relief strategies for headaches. We are like your ultimate headache sidekick.

When to Seek Professional Help for Headaches:

It's super important to know signs that your headaches may require professional medical attention. Consult a physiotherapist or your GP for personalised care and targeted intervention.

Empower yourself with an in-depth understanding of your headache triggers. If you are grappling with headaches, make an appointment to speak to our team today. We offer a no-obligation Treatment Inquiry to see if physiotherapy might be right for your journey to living headache-free.

Book Your Appointment Today.

Here's to a healthier and happier you!