How to Treat Different Types of Headaches
Headaches can be caused by many different factors, and generally be categorized into two groups. There are primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are caused by “problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head” whereas secondary headaches are “a symptom of an underlying condition”.
Often headaches are caused by multiple triggers and factors. It can include stress, sleeping position, posture, and work and exercise habits.
The most common types of headaches are tension headaches, and neck headaches. Tension headaches are often described as the “feeling of a tight band around the head”. Tension headaches are often associated with tightness of the muscles in the head, neck or jaw. They can be caused by stress, both emotional and physical, poor posture, and muscle tension in the back, shoulders and neck. Neck headaches, also known as cervicogenic headaches, are a result of underlying neck issues. There are many “pain-sensitive structures” that are in the upper neck and back of the head, like the lining of the cervical spine, joints, ligaments, and cervical nerve roots. These structures can cause pain if there are underlying issues.
Physiotherapy with Nicole can help with certain headaches. Nicole will conduct an assessment and will be able to find if there are certain factors, like posture or soft-tissue in the neck, that might be contributing to headaches. In her treatment, Nicole may include massage and manipulation, posture correction and exercises to help manage common headaches, in her treatment plans. She can also help provide education to help us avoid or manage headaches by changing some of our habits.
Come by FLXME for a physiotherapy assessment with Nicole, to see if she can help you manage your headaches!
Sources:
https://physiostudio.ca/how-physiotherapy-can-put-an-end-to-nagging-headaches/
https://www.healthx.ca/conditions-we-treat/headache-physiotherapy/
https://121wellness.ca/headaches-migraines-treatments/
https://healthengine.com.au/info/constant-headaches-heres-physiotherapy-can-help