Headaches

Headaches are often caused by disorders of the neck or poor posture and emotional stress.

Physiotherapists can successfully treat headaches originating from the neck and show you how to prevent the pain recurring.

For many people, headaches start as pain or tension at the top of the neck. As the pain worsens, it may spread to the back of the head, the temples, forehead or behind the eyes. Moving the neck or bending forward for prolonged periods can make it worse.

This happens because the nerves in the upper part of your neck are connected to the nerves in your head and face. A disorder of the upper neck joints or muscles can cause referred pain to your head.

symptoms

• Headache associated with neck pain.
• Headache with dizziness or light-headedness.
• Headache brought on or worsened by neck movement or staying in the same position for a long time.
• Headache which always feels worse on the same side of your head.
• Headache eased by pressure to the base of the skull.

CAUSE

There are many causes of headaches, dysfunction of the cervical spine is one of them. Your physio is skilled at assessing and determining the cause of you headaches. If your headaches are not related to your neck or there are  other factors are likely to contributing to the headaches, your physio will recommend that you see your doctor.

Here is some useful advice to help you control and prevent headaches:

POSTURE – Think tall: chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, chin tucked in and head level.

WORK – Avoid working with your head down or to one side for long periods. Frequently stretch and change position. Your Body Smart Physio will show you how.