Headaches are a common but often debilitating condition–and there are over 200 different kinds! While you can manage some headaches with over-the-counter pain medications and a bit of rest, others aren’t so easy. Understanding the different headache types and how they can be treated is crucial to finding lasting relief.
Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy can offer a comprehensive, holistic solution to headache pain. It does so by treating the underlying condition that contributes to your headaches, whether muscle tension, poor posture, or issues with the inner ear. The American Headache Institute team will develop a personalized treatment plan that includes targeted exercises, manual therapy, and, in some cases, vestibular therapy.
But what headache types can physical therapy treat? Keep reading to find out–and to find out what our Rochester Hills, MI physical therapists might suggest for treatment, too.
Headache Type #1: Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are among the most common types of headaches. They typically cause a mild to moderate ache or pressure around the head, particularly at the temples or the back of the neck. They generally stem from poor posture or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Tension Headaches?
We’ll target the muscle tightness and poor posture that often lead to these headaches. We may use manual therapy to release tension in the neck and shoulder muscles, combined with postural correction exercises to prevent future strain. Strengthening the upper back or neck muscles can help, too.
Headache Type #2: Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the cervical spine–that is, your neck. These headaches cause pain that radiates from the neck to the front of the head, and they are frequently triggered by neck movements or maintaining a particular posture for too long. The pain can be sharp or dull and is often accompanied by neck stiffness.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Cervicogenic Headaches?
Our treatment approach typically includes exercises to strengthen and stabilize the neck muscles, manual therapy to improve joint mobility, and ergonomic advice to reduce strain during daily activities. We’ll work closely with you to determine why you’ve developed issues with your cervical spine (strain from awkward or repetitive postures is often the culprit) and then tailor your treatment accordingly.
Headache Type #3: Vestibular Migraines
Vestibular migraines are a unique type of headache that combines typical migraine symptoms (such as throbbing head pain or sensitivity to light and sound) with vertigo or dizziness. These headaches can be triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods, and the vertigo symptoms can often lead to balance issues.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Vestibular Migraines?
Vestibular therapy is especially beneficial for those suffering from vestibular migraines. This therapy includes exercises that help the brain adapt to changes in head position and movement, reducing dizziness and improving balance. We may also incorporate techniques to manage migraine triggers and provide strategies for coping with symptoms during an episode.
Can Physical Therapy Help Your Headache Pain?
Not all headaches are the same. The team at American Headache Institute has an in-depth understanding of different headache types and will help you find relief–either through targeted physical therapy approaches or, if necessary, referral to another specialist.
If you’re reading to find relief from headache pain, schedule an appointment with us today!
Tags: Physical Therapy, headache relief, posture correction, migraine treatment
