With our busy lives, which are always on the go from the moment we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we close them at night, who has time for throbbing headaches and migraines? We sure don’t! We want fast relief from our pain so we can get back to our busy lives.
With over the counter medications on the market its easy to take 2 painkillers and get on with your day, that is until the pain returns again and here starts the vicious cycle. What most people are unaware of is that medication is a quick pain relief, which will mask the symptoms for a short period of time but will not solve the underlying issue.
Headache Symptoms?
1. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches we treat. Environmental factors including stiffness or pain in the shoulders and neck muscles as a result of stress or poor posture can result in tension headaches.
2. Migraine Headaches
Migraines vary from tension headaches in that the pain is generally limited to one side of the head with a throbbing severe pain. Many migraine sufferers may become momentarily sensitive to light and sound and in some cases also experience nausea and vomiting. Migraines are more common in woman than men.
3. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are the least common headache and are often more prominent in men than women. The main difference between cluster headaches and tension or migraine headaches are cluster headaches occur more regularly over a shorter period of time. They can affect one side of the head close to the eye and cause swelling, redness and a blocked or runny nose to the side which eye is affected.
You may also be interested in our Blog: What’s the difference between acupuncture & dry needling?
Treatment for Headaches and Migraines
Hands on treatment can provide effective results for relieving your headaches through relaxation of muscles under excessive tension.
If you have recently suffered a new acute headache, hands on treatment such as massage, trigger point therapy, dry needing or gentle guided stretches can all help give immediate pain relief. However if it is a re-occurring condition your Physiotherapist may need to assess your posture and provide workplace ergonomic set-ups as well as home exercises to improve your posture long term to get to the underlying causes of your reoccurring headaches or migraines.
Perhaps we can help!
While headaches and migraines are a common fact of life don’t let it ruin your day-to-day living. Book an appointment TODAY to see how we can help you.
Read More
