Headache is one of the most common conditions around Australia, with nearly 15 per cent of Australians relying on painkillers for treating their headaches at any given moment. Since headaches are so widespread, a lot of us believe they’re just a part of life.
However, a continuous headache can be an indicator that something is wrong, and the consistent use of painkillers to combat headaches is like switching off the forewarning light that signals a problem with your car. Medication doesn’t cure your headache; it simply provides temporary relief from the symptoms.
Tension headaches and migraines are considered to be the most common types of headache, but people also experience headaches due to sinus infections (pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead) or physical exertion. A rebound headache, also referred to as medication overuse headache, is when you experience headaches due to frequent or excessive pain-relieving medication.
Headaches can be caused by a range of factors, including tension, bad posture, accidental injuries, medications, eating issues, or environmental factors such as powerful smells and pollution.
Probably the most overlooked cause for a migraine or stress headache is nerve irritation in the upper neck, usually as a result of improperly functioning spinal joints. Physiotherapists refer to this as vertebral dysfunction, and it causes headaches because the nerves of the upper neck supply areas of the scalp and face.
Assessment
At a2z Health Group, our physiotherapists first assess patients with a meticulous examination of probable headache triggers. We also take a detailed orthopaedic and neurological history to better understand possible causes for your chronic headaches. Finally, we may conduct a spinal evaluation to assess if this is a contributing factor.
If our physiotherapists believe it’s necessary, we might also request from your doctor to refer for further investigations, if necessary, such as an x-ray or MRI scan. After reaching a specific diagnosis, your physiotherapy care can begin.
Treatment
Physiotherapy can be an extremely efficient remedy for headaches. By precisely restoring proper motion to the spinal joints of the neck, your physiotherapist can considerably lessen nerve irritation and alleviate muscle tension, thus helping to minimise the cause of your headaches.
At a2z Health Group, our friendly team is extensively trained in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, clinical Pilates, massage, bracing and more. We will personalise your treatment to cater for your specific condition. To arrange an initial assessment and consultation, don’t hesitate to book online now.