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Headaches affect approximately 47% of the population. Headaches are a type of pain or discomfort that occurs in the face or head that can be described as throbbing, dull, constant and/or sharp. Headaches can differ depending on pain type, severity, location, and frequency. Having frequent moderate to severe headaches can disrupt quality of life and make it more difficult to perform activities of daily living.
Types of headaches include:
Cluster headaches: Rapid onset, excruciating pain in vicinity of the eye. Tearing and redness of eye, runny, congested nose, flushing of the face. May last for 15 minutes to 3 hours if untreated. Repeated daily attacks for weeks, may disappear for months or years. More common among men and frequently appears between ages 20-50.
Migraine: Typically one sided, but changes sides often and is not associated with specific neck motions. Often includes an “aura” 30-45 minutes before a headache that often consists of light sensitivity, nausea, etc.
Tension headaches: Most common type of headache, lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days and is commonly on both sides. Tension headaches are often reported as a pressing or tightening (non-pulsating) feeling with mild to moderate intensity and is not aggravated by physical activity. No signs of nausea or light sensitivity symptoms.
Cervicogenic headaches: Typically one–sided and brought on with specific head movements and thought to be caused by irritation to joints in the upper neck, which correlates to nerves in the upper spinal cord. Often caused by injuries such as whiplash following blunt force trauma to the head and neck or a car accident, poor posture, cervical spine conditions such as arthritis, or nerve compression.
Secondary headaches: Related to dehydration, sinus infections, allergies, hormonal changes, often treated with medication, lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, or increase in water intake.
Headache Causes and Triggers
Some causes of headaches include diet or lifestyle factors such as consuming processed foods, changes in sleep behaviors or lack of sleep, poor posture, skipping meals, dehydration, stress, eye straining, and consuming alcohol (red wine). They can also be a secondary symptom caused by conditions such a sinus infection, the flu, high blood pressure, or hormonal changes.
Physical Therapy for Headaches
Physical therapy has been proven to assist with decreasing or resolving the intensity, frequency, and duration of headaches, decrease medication use, improve function and mobility, improve ease of neck pain, improve motion of the neck, as well as improve quality of life.
Physical therapy for headaches may include:
Manual therapy to assist in relieving joint and muscle stiffness, improve mobility of the head and neck, decrease muscle tension and spasms, and improve muscle performance. May include interventions such as massage, gentle passive stretching or dry needling.
Exercise to decrease pain, improve endurance, decrease inflammation, and promote overall healing. Often includes postural retraining and strengthening of muscles surrounding your spine.
Education to help lessen severity or frequency of headaches and teach you how to identify specific triggers such as diet, sleep, postural habits, stressors, and hydration. It can teach you how to help alleviate symptoms through relaxation techniques and safe and gentle mobility.
If you are experiencing headaches due to poor posture, muscle tension, neck pain, or stress (often tension or cervicogenic headaches), research shows physical therapy and exercise are most beneficial for these types of headache groups. These types of headaches are known to respond favorably to physical therapy because they have identifiable causes that physical therapists are able to address through hands-on interventions and appropriate exercises depending on severity.
Visit AZOPT.net to learn more about our physical therapy services.