HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
Headaches are one of the most common conditions experienced by Australians and many consider them to be a ‘normal part of life’. More often than not we rely on the use of over-the-counter painkillers to help in treating and managing the symptoms of headaches, however, the ongoing reliance on the medications can negatively impact our health. Research has shown that manual therapy and exercise can be effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches. To achieve these results we must be able to work out which type of headache is present. The team at Excel Body & Health will perform a thorough examination and history to diagnose which type of headache is present and how to manage it.
TYPES OF HEADACHES + MIGRAINES
CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE
This type of headache mostly occurs due to activities placing excessive stress on the upper neck. Prolonged slouching and poor posture, excessive bending or twisting, computer and phone use, and traumatic events like whiplash can all contribute to the onset of these headaches. Typically these headaches present as a one-sided steady, non-throbbing pain at the base of the skull, the forehead, and behind the eyes and brows.
TENSION TYPE HEADACHE
A common and mild type of headache that may be caused by poor posture, stress overload, working in awkward positions, holding one position for a long time, or even jaw clenching. A tension headache is generally described as a “vice like” band around the head and is usually worse at the end of the day.
MIGRAINES
Migraines are a common neurological disorder which 15% of the population will experience at some point. There are many different presentations of migraines – and pain can be felt in many different positions. There is no exact known cause for migraines, but there are a multitude of factors contributing to them (for example: stress, poor sleep, medications, alcohol, certain foods, smoking, hormonal changes, head trauma, and more). Migraines typically present as a throbbing or pulsating headache that can start off one-sided and last between 4-72 hours and can be accompanied with nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound or even changes in vision.
TREATMENT FOR HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES
The team at Excel Body & Health are highly skilled practitioners that will assist in determining the cause, treatment and management of your headaches or migraine. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and will focus on reducing the intensity, frequency of your headaches and migraines.
Treatment may include soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, articulation, manipulation, dry needling, taping and/or exercise prescription.
A personalised treatment plan will aid in managing these in the short and long term.
