Headaches
Headaches becoming a headache?
There are over 200 types of headaches listed by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Some are obviously far more common than others and most of us will suffer at some point with headaches.
Headaches can be caused by a whole host of factors, some of musculoskeletal origin and some not.
It’s helpful to find out whether factors such as mechanical issues in the neck, shoulders and back may be affecting things. Maybe lifestyle factors or emotional and mental issues are having an effect?
Are there associated medical conditions present? We can help talk through your individual situation and assess for some of these possible factors.
What type of headache do you have?
Headaches can affect different parts of the head, neck and face. There can be different patterns to when you get them and they can be associated with other symptoms in some people.
Migraines
Symptoms associated with migraines can involve a throbbing pain on one side of the head, light sensitivity, nausea or vomiting. Migraines are not completely understood but can usually be due to genetic, environmental or hormonal factors.
Tension Headaches
This is the most common type of headache that affects people. This can be caused by factors such as poor posture, injuries or any emotional or psychological stressors.
Posture related headaches
When our body is help incorrectly for the activities that we do day to day, this can put strain on other joints or soft tissues which can result in tension leading to potential headaches.
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull and is involved in complex activities such as eating and talking. Just like any other joint the bones and soft tissues surrounding the joint can tighten or decrease in mobility due to wear and tear, teeth grinding or stress.
Treatments we recommend for headache
We have a great team of therapists, who will assess and advise you on some of the factors that could be affecting your headache. With your agreement, they’ll put together a treatment plan to try and help you find some pain relief and reduce the effect of your headaches. Some of the treatment options we can use are:
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Our frequently asked questions about headaches?
A headache is pain in any region of the head. It may occur on one or both sides of the head. They can be a sharp pain, throbbing sensation or a dull ache. They can last for only a few minutes or for several days.
The causes of headaches vary depending on the type. Tension headaches are often caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension. Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, certain foods, or changes in weather. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in the neck, such as a herniated disc or arthritis. Cluster headaches are thought to be caused by a problem with the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls many bodily functions.
There are many different types, but the most common are tension headaches, migraine headaches, cervical headaches and cluster headaches.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent headaches, including:
- Avoiding your triggers
- Getting regular exercise
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Manual therapy can help with a variety of headaches, including tension, migraine and cervicogenic.
Tension headaches are the most common type, and they are often caused by muscle tension in the head and neck. Manual therapy can help to relieve this muscle tension and reduce the pain associated with tension headaches.
Migraine headaches are a more severe type of headache, and they are often accompanies by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Manual therapy can help to reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with migraine headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in the neck, such as herniated disc or arthritis. Manual therapy can help to relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with cervicogenic headaches.
In the past, it was believed that headache was caused by psychological factors; however, it is now recognized that headache is a complex biomedical disorder in which psychological factors can play a contributory, maintaining, and/or reactive role.
If you have a headache that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, stiff neck, or vomiting, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if your headaches are interfering with your daily activities
It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of your headaches and to get the best treatment. Manual therapy can be a helpful part of your treatment plan, but it is important to work with a doctor to make sure that it is right for you.
You’ll be pleased to hear that you can get your headaches treated at any of our 3 clinics in Surrey and West Sussex.
At Dorking and Leatherhead, our clinics are based in sports centres with fantastic access to gym facilities and ample room to get you back up to full fitness. At Crawley, we have a modern physio clinic with our own rehab studio, all set to return you back to what you want to do, as quickly and effectively as possible.
You can attend any one of our 3 clinics, in Dorking, Leatherhead or Crawley to receive headache treatment.