|
Headaches are a common annoying condition that occurs
regularly in society. They manifest themselves in many forms ranging from
migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and more commonly cervicogenic
headaches (neck related). Physiotherapy treatment can help with the neck
related cervicogenic headaches and whilst there are other forms it is rare that
they exist solely and often coexist together. eg. migraines often have a neck
component that responds well to physiotherapy treatment.
What causes headaches?
There can be many causes of headaches. Some common causes include:
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Posture at home or at work
- Type
of work performed
- Accident
and trauma
What structures
contribute to headahes?
Headaches are not a simple condition and there can be a
single or often multiple structures that can often be the cause. It is often
common that even after imaging (X Ray, CT Scan, MRI), it can be difficult to
pinpoint a particular cause. Possible structures that can cause headaches
include:
- Facet
joints. These are the joint in between your vertebrae.
- Diet.
Certain foods can often trigger headaches. These include chocolate, red
wine, citrus fruits and cheese just to name a few.
- Ligament
strain.
- Muscular
strain/weakness of the deep cervical flexors (muscles that line your neck
vertebrae).
- Nerve
irritation.
- Hormonal
changes. It is well documented that when menstruating the hormonal
imbalance can often trigger a headache 24-48 hours to either side of the
cycle.
How can treatment help
me?
In your initial consultation, your Musculoskeletal
Physiotherapist will take a thorough history, assess your posture, examine your
movements and conduct specific muscle and nerve tests to diagnose your problem.
They will then determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. By
the end of your consultation, your Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist will have a
comprehensive understanding of your problem, and will work with you to develop
a clear action plan for future management. This plan will provide an estimate
of the number and frequency of treatments needed and will outline activities
for home and work to help resolve your problem, focusing on prevention.
|
