Headache Pain Relief with Physical Therapy
Between 8 and 9 out of 10 people in the U.S. deal with occasional or frequent headaches – so you are not alone. Headaches are the 3rd most commonly reported source of pain worldwide.
While PT isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache, it can really help. Medication may relieve pain in the short term, but pain relief drugs don’t have the same long-term relief that PT has.
Three Kinds of Headaches – Physical Therapy Helps
Many people may not know this, but there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from various causes. The three main types of headaches include:
1.Cervicogenic Headaches
The great majority of headaches are cervicogenic headaches related to the top three vertebrae of the neck.
Poor posture, stress, and other factors contribute to weakness, strain, neck muscle and joint injury. Pain radiates into the scalp, side of the head, and the forehead. Plus, these headaches may develop from a concussion, arthritis, or work-related strain.
Professions that require a down-turned head or neck motion are the most prone to developing cervicogenic headaches. This may include anyone working with a computer, hairdressers, chefs, long-haul drivers, nail artists, jewelers, etc.
2.Tension headaches
The most common headache is a tension headache. These occur from repetitive motions or poor neck and head posture.
Tension headaches are from a strain on the “dura mater,” a sensitive membrane enveloping the brain. The dura mater is close to small muscles at the base of the skull that spasm when the dura mater is strained, sending pain signals to the brain and causing your headaches.
3.Musculoskeletal headaches
Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there is significant neck tension. This is often from physical imbalances, weaknesses, or damage. However, emotional tension and stress can contribute.
An injury to the neck, like whiplash, is a common cause underlying musculoskeletal headaches. The muscles and connective tissues become torn or strained, leading to agonizing pain in the head, face, shoulders, or neck.
Do you have any of these types of headaches? If so, let’s get you some relief.
