Headaches are a very common complaint and are treated by physiotherapists regularly. There are many forms of headaches including tension, cervicogenic, cluster, vascular and migraines. People will often use medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease symptoms of headaches and this can be effective. However if symptoms persist an assessment and treatment by one of our physiotherapists may be able to ease your symptoms further or even cure your headaches!
Headaches can be caused by problems in your neck. Headache can be triggered by issues in your cervical spine or neck. Tension headaches are caused by excessive muscular tension and tightness in your neck. This may be as a result of poor posture or stress. Cervicogenic headaches result from irritation to nerves in the top of your neck. This can be brought on by stiff neck joints, tight muscles and poor posture.
Both these kinds of headaches can be effectively treated by your physiotherapist. Treatment may include mobilisation or manipulation of stiff joints, massage, muscle relaxing techniques, postural advice and exercises to re-align your neck and improve your posture.