Living With Headache Pain? Achieve Physical Therapy Can Help!
Do you get a headache regularly? If so, you will be relieved to learn that you are not alone. Headaches are the world’s third most commonly reported source of discomfort.
Headaches are caused by muscle and joint weakness, strain, and damage in the neck, brought on by poor posture, stress, and other factors. They can cause discomfort to radiate from the scalp, the side of the head, or even the forehead.
Although physical therapy is not always the first thing that comes to mind when looking for headache relief, it can be extremely beneficial. Medications will only help relieve pain in the short term, which is why if you are living with chronic headaches, physical therapy is the key to long-term relief.
Call today for more information or click here to make an appointment!
Types Of Headaches
Knowing how to recognize the type of headache you are experiencing will aid you in determining which physical therapy treatments will benefit you the most.
The three main types of headaches include:
Cervicogenic headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache caused by pain in the neck’s top three vertebrae. Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by conditions, such as concussion, arthritis, or even work-related strains. These kinds of headaches are more common in people who work jobs that require a down-turned head or neck motion on a regular basis.
Musculoskeletal headaches
Musculoskeletal headaches happen when the neck is overworked. The most common causes are physical imbalances, deficiencies, or injury, but emotional stress can also play a role. Whiplash along with other neck injuries can put a strain on the muscles and connective tissues and cause musculoskeletal headaches.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are caused by pressure on the “dura mater,” a delicate membrane that surrounds the brain. When the dura mater is stressed, it spasms near the small muscles at the base of the skull, sending pain signals to the brain and resulting in a headache. This can be caused by repetitive movements or poor neck/head posture.
How Can Achieve Physical Therapy Help With Headache Pain?
At Achieve Physical Therapy in Acton, Bedford, Hudson and Sudbury, MA, we are committed to providing you with the best treatment for your headaches. One of our highly skilled physical therapists will do a physical assessment during your initial consultation to evaluate the type of headache you’re having and the source of your discomfort. After that, a treatment plan tailored to your needs will be developed, which will most likely involve focused workouts, manual therapy, and patient education.
Choose PT states that physical therapy helps manage chronic headache pain by:
- Therapy can improve function and mobility.
- Physical therapy can help you decrease your need for or dependence on medications.
- It can improve the ease of motion in the neck.
- It can decrease or resolve the intensity, frequency, and duration of headaches.
- You can experience an overall improved quality of life.
Remember that you are unique, and so will your treatment plans be! The only way to find out what a therapist will recommend for your headache pain is to request an appointment with one.
Let Achieve Physical Therapy Help You Feel Your Best
Physical therapy could be your key to a healthier, pain-free life. Our therapy methods at Achieve Physical Therapy are centered on pain relief, posture improvement, and muscle strengthening in the neck and upper back. All of these will make your daily life much more relaxed and bearable, free of the discomfort of headaches! To consult with one of our physical therapists in Acton, Bedford, Hudson or Sudbury, MA, click here to make an appointment.