Headaches

Headaches can occur for several reasons, most of which are not serious. Common causes of headaches are dehydration, sleep deprivation, stress, viral infections, common colds, sinus issues, the effects of medications and the effects of recreational drugs or alcohol. Tension headaches are the most common type, affecting about 20% of the population, followed by migraine headaches which affect about 12%.

Tension headaches feel like a dull pain, tightness, or pressure around the forehead or the back of the head and neck. It is often referred to as stress headaches. Cervicogenic headaches occur when a headache is referred from the bony structures, disc and/or soft tissue of the neck. Cervicogenic headaches can occur with neck pain and reduced range of motion of the neck. The headaches are often one-sided and may radiate from the neck to the back or front of the head or behind the eye.

Most headaches are treated with over the counter pain-killers or anti-inflammatories, however physiotherapy can help too. Your physiotherapist may use the following techniques to treat your headaches: manual therapy techniques such as cervical and/or thoracic spine mobilisations and massage, acupuncture, mobilising exercises for the neck and upper back, strengthening exercises of any muscles which are lacking strength or control.