How physiotherapy can help manage headaches

You might’ve noticed some physiotherapists advertise they offer treatments for headaches and wondered: would that work?

In fact, there’s a solid body of research showing that physiotherapy treatments can be really helpful for certain types of headache.

Sometimes, however, medical management is also necessary and it’s worth seeing a doctor. Here’s what you need to know.

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headache is where pain is referred from the top of the neck (an area known as the upper cervical spine).

Pain is usually one-sided. It generally starts just beneath the skull at the top of the neck, spreading into the back of the head and sometimes into the back of the eye.

Neck pain and headache are often triggered by activities that put strain on the neck, such as holding one posture or position for a long time, or doing repetitive neck movements (such as looking up and down repeatedly).

Unlike in migraine, people experiencing cervicogenic headache don’t usually get nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

Because this is a musculoskeletal condition of the upper neck, physiotherapy treatments that improve neck function – such as manual therapy, exercise and education – can provide short- and long-term benefits.

Can physio help

Migraine is a neurological disorder whereby the brain has difficulty processing sensory input.

This can cause episodic attacks of moderate to severe headache, as well...

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