How physio can get rid of your headaches

Headaches can be debilitating and frustrating to manage. In this article we discuss some common types of headaches, and how physio is involved in their treatment.

3 Common types of headaches include:

Neck – related headaches (cervicogenic)
Tension headaches
Migraines +/- aura

What is a cervicogenic headache?

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck), involving the joints, muscles, ligaments or discs.

Joints in the neck can be injured via sporting injury or motor vehicle accident, however often pain comes from excessive strain of the neck from posture and positioning. This is common in jobs where excessive sitting or prolonged postures are required.

In older individuals, osteoarthritis can cause neck pain and headaches.

Cervicogenic headache symptoms:

Cervicogenic headaches are always one sided, and they do not swap sides.
Usually pain starts in the neck, and then spreads into the head (as the neck is the cause of the problem)
Headache of a mild to moderate intensity
Your neck is stiff or sore to move

What is a tension headache?

Tension headaches are also common. They are often caused by stress or increased tension in the muscles in the neck and head.

Tension headache symptoms:

Headache is felt on both sides
Feels like tightening or pressure build up
Mild to moderate intensity
Duration can be 30mins up to 7 days
Not usually associated with neck symptoms

What is a migraine?

Migraines are a more severe form headache which are associated with additional symptoms.

Migraines are classified by having at least 2 of the following symptoms:

One-sided headache
Throbbing quality
Moderate- severe symptoms
Aggravated by movement

As well as at least one of the follow symptoms:

Nausea or Vomiting
Photophobia (sensitivity to light) or Phonophobia (sensitivity to noise)

How can physio help?

In your appointment, your physio will perform an assessment to help determine if your neck is contributing to your headache.

If we find that your headache is cervicogenic or tension related, we can treat the problem areas.

If you experience migraines, physio can often be used to help ease tension and help with symptom relief, but we will get you to check in with your GP for additional management strategies.

What treatments will we do?

Physio interventions for headaches may include manual therapy (such as joint mobilisation, massage and dry needling).

It is also important to try and determine if any specific postures are aggravating your symptoms, so we will likely ask you about your desk/ work set up, sleeping position and pillows, as well as any sustained postures you use (such as using a laptops at home).

Finally, we do our best to help you manage your headaches on your own. We may give you postural or ergonomic advice, as well as stretches or strengthening exercises to complete at home to get your neck back in shape as soon as possible.

Although every neck is different, we expect your symptoms to see immediate and gradual improvement.

Get in touch if you’re experiencing the above kinds of neck pain and headaches, we would love to hear from you!

click here to book your assessment

Take care,

Annissa Harwood

B Sc. Physiotherapy (Honours)

References:

Physio for headaches