Physiotherapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache – most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches or migraines, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physiotherapy will.
A greater majority of headaches are attributed to cervicogenic headaches, meaning that they are related to the neck in some form. Poor posture, stress, and other factors can contribute to weakness, strain, and injury to the neck muscles and joints. This pain radiates up into the scalp, side of the head, and even the forehead, depending on the area of the neck involved.
If you are in Kitchener, Elmira, and Northfield, ON, and suffer from headaches, you are not alone. According to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, patients may come to physiotherapy looking for relief after trying many different medications and therapies. It has been shown that a patient with a migraine may see up to 4-5 specialists before being diagnosed, and even then, may not receive effective treatment. Approximately 50% of migraine sufferers go undiagnosed or mismanaged to this day. They are also the third most commonly reported source of pain across the world! Whether they are acute and temporary or constant and chronic (such as migraines), headaches can all be treated with physiotherapy at SOS Physiotherapy. Request your appointment today!
How can physiotherapy help my headache?
If you are suffering from headaches, contact our Kitchener, Elmira, and Northfield, ON physiotherapy office today. At SOS Physiotherapy, we are dedicated to providing you with the best treatments for your headaches.
At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physiotherapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of headache you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from.
A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.
What type of headache am I experiencing?
Many people may not know this, but there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from different causes. The three main types of headaches include:
- Cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are related to neck pain, involving the top three vertebrae of the neck. These headaches can develop as a result of certain conditions, such as a concussion or arthritis, but work-related strain can also trigger a cervicogenic headache. Professions that require a down-turned motion of the head or neck are the most prone for developing cervicogenic headaches. This may include hairdressers, long-haul drivers, chefs, nail artists, jewelers, etc.
- Musculoskeletal headaches. Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there are significant amounts of tension in the neck. This is typically a result of physical imbalances, weaknesses, or damage, although emotional tension (such as stress) can also be a contributing factor. A traumatic injury to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. With neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck can become torn or strained. This can lead to agonizing pain felt in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.
- Tension headaches. The most common form of headaches are known as tension headaches. These can occur due to repetitive motions or poor posture in the neck/head. As a result, joints in the neck can get stiff and muscles can get aggravated creating headache type symptoms.
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How can I get started on relieving my headaches?
At SOS Physiotherapy, our treatments for headaches focus on relieving pain, improving posture, and strengthening muscles in the neck and upper back. These will all help in making your daily life much more comfortable and bearable – without the pain of headaches! To schedule your appointment, contact us today to speak to one of our physiotherapists.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!