Physiotherapy for Migraines/Headaches
Having a consistent throbbing pain or pressure in your head can be debilitating and may negatively affect one’s personal life and productivity. Headache can occur to a child or to an elderly and may last for as little as 24 hours or for a few days or may be persistent for a long period of time.
Are migraines and headaches same?
No. Although both are similar in presentation, unlike headaches, migraines are often associated with sensitivity to light, sound, touch and symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Migraines are accompanied with intense, pulsating and throbbing pain which is often felt on one side of the head. In contrast, the pain of a normal headache isÂ
normally felt throughout the forehead or scalp and is milder in intensity and pressure. In contrast to traditional headaches which may fade away with rest or medications, migraines persist for a long time. What are the causes of migraines/headaches?
Although migraines and headaches are different, they do share some common causes such as poor sleep, sudden changes in weather, neck pain, pinched nerve in the neck or upper back, jaw pain, poor posture, faulty techniques of equipment use at workplace, previous or recent trauma to the neck or around, stress, dehydration, muscle weakness and tightness.
How does physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces stresses and tension affecting your muscles and joints, strengthens the weaker muscles and restores mobility in affected areas with less chances of recurrence of symptoms. Our physical therapists consider the following key points as a part of their assessment and examination:
- Location and intensity of the head pain
- Severity (rating on a pain scale)
- Duration and the timeline of symptoms
- Trigger factors
- Any accompanying symptoms
The interventions delivered depends on the pinpoint diagnosis of the cause of headache or migraine. Neck and upper back mobility exercises, stretching, strengthening, neck core training, postural correction, spinal manipulation and activity/technique modification at workplace or otherwise are a few physical therapy enhancements to cure and prevent the symptoms.
