Headaches
What are they?
Headaches have a variety of causes. These can be divided into those that have an underlying medical issue and those that do not. If you feel there is an underlying medical reason for your headaches then you should see your GP as soon as possible. Those without an underlying medical condition can be further divided into tension headaches, cluster headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches that are caused by the joints in your neck). Severe headaches can be extremely debilitating and have serious affects on people’s lives. Many headaches that do not have an underlying medical condition are treatable with physiotherapy.
What we do?
We will undertake a careful assessment and detailed history of your headache to ascertain the likely cause. This will include special questions about your problem, a review of your shoulder, head and neck mobility as well as variety of other assessment techniques.
This will allow your physiotherapist to make a diagnosis and to start to treat you.
Your treatment may include:
- Massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Acupuncture
- Taping and Strapping
- Postural correction
- Electrotherapy
- Ergonomics
- Stretches
We may also look at the way you sit at your computer and how your office is arranged.
What are the benefits?
Your physiotherapist will aim to treat the structures that are implicated in your headache and also to give you exercises and other techniques to help you on the road to recovery. Other benefits include better joint mobility, reduced muscular tension and improved posture.
How can we help?
With good treatment most headaches initially reduce in frequency and severity and eventually resolve but time frames can vary dependant on your presentation. We aim to return you to normality but if we feel we can’t help and that there may be an underlying cause we will refer you back to your GP who may then arrange a specialist opinion. Further investigation such as MRI or CT may then be arranged. This will provide additional information as to the reasons your headache has not resolved (don’t worry this is very unusual).
What should you do?
Headaches often become chronic but this does not mean you should go untreated.
Often work patterns and positions when working can be a factor so it may be worth looking at these factors. It is important to seek treatment and to start the process towards resolution of your problem. Please call or email us with any questions you may have around the treatments for headaches or to book an initial assessment.
To arrange an appointment or speak to a physiotherapist, call or email on:
Southend on Sea: 01702 521 042 or info@physioacademy.co.uk
Chelmsford: 01245 254 069 or chelmsford@physioacademy.co.uk
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