Physiotherapy for Headache Management

Physiotherapy for Headache Management

Most of us have experienced a headache at one point or another, and although the pain can be severe at times, it does not always mean that the cause is. Headaches have many possible causes and can vary in intensity, location, frequency and cause.

 

The International Headache classification divides headaches into primary, secondary, and neuropathies. The majority are primary headaches, as they are not caused by another disorder, the most common being migraines, tension-type headaches, hypnic headaches and cluster headaches. While the pain can be disabling, the headaches are not necessarily dangerous. Secondary headaches (e.g. cervicogenic headaches) arise due to another cause, such as a trauma/accident, vascular disorder, substance, infection, psychiatric disorder and many more. Contrary to primary headaches, these are less frequent but can be more severe and could be a warning sign of a more serious underlying condition. 

 

Headaches can be caused by several factors and conditions related to the neck, eyes, brain, jaw and teeth.  Other factors can also include medication, dehydration and changing hormone levels. Environmental and nutritional factors such as light, foods, stress and sleep can also play a role.

 

Physical therapy is most effective in treating tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. Although you are unsure what type of headache you have, we can also help identify this and recommend appropriate management strategies. 

Different Types Of Headaches

Migraine headache is the most common form, including a headache that is usually but not always on one side of the head and lasts from 2 to 72 hours; and often presents with nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and is throbbing in nature. 

 

Migraines are often genetic or due to chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes. Although no cure for migraines exists, physiotherapy can help identify triggers, lifestyle modifications, and other therapeutic modalities to manage the pain.

 

Tension-type headache is the second most common after migraine. They can be recognised by their ‘hatband’ pain characteristics, as the pain typically exists around the back of the head, the temples and the forehead as if a tight band were in place. They tend to be pressure-like and can last hours to days. 

 

The cause of tension-type headaches is still uncertain. The existing research and theories currently indicate relationships with pain sensitivity in the central nervous system, brain chemicals and neurotransmitters,  and myofascial trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles. Research has consistently shown that cranial muscle tissues are considerably more tender in tension-type headaches, which was associated with increased intensity and frequency of headaches. 

 

Cervicogenic headaches originate from the joints and tissues in the neck, and symptoms are often on one side of the head from the base of the skull/neck over the head into the temple-forehead or eye. They can also radiate into the shoulder and arm. You might also find your neck range of motion is reduced. These can last from a few hours to weeks and can be aggravated by specific neck movements or postures.

 

Physiotherapy management for headaches

 

Clinical evidence shows that physiotherapy can help with tension-type and cervicogenic headaches and is the most commonly used non-pharmacological treatment.  Physiotherapy is effective in reducing these types of headaches symptoms, frequency and intensity through the utilisation of various methods, including: 

 

• Cervical exercises
• Relaxation
• Massage
• Postural exercise
• Cranio-cervical techniques
• Thermotherapy
• Vertebral mobilisation
• Stretching

 

During an assessment at Ergotec Health, we will ask you a series of varying questions to better understand your headache signs and symptoms to help us identify the type of headache you are presenting with. We will then take you through a thorough physical examination evaluating numerous systems and joints, including the neck, jaw, eyes/visual system, thoracic spine and shoulder. Based on the assessment results, we will develop an individualised treatment plan consisting of a mixture of the above appropriate methods. 

 

Get in touch to book an appointment today!