Headaches & Migraines

Headaches and Migraines Overview

Headaches and migraines are common neurological conditions that vary in intensity, duration, and causes.

Tension Headaches: The most common type, usually caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or scalp, often triggered by stress, poor posture, or fatigue. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain and tightness around the forehead or back of the head.
Migraines: Severe, recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances (aura). Migraines are thought to be linked to abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals and blood vessels, with triggers like stress, hormonal changes, or certain foods.
Cluster Headaches: Intense, burning headaches that occur in cycles or clusters, often on one side of the head, with symptoms including red eyes, nasal congestion, and restlessness.
Cervicogenic Headaches: Headaches caused by neck issues, such as misalignment or injury, often felt at the base of the skull and radiating to the forehead.

Chiropractic Care for Headaches and Migraines

Chiropractic care focuses on addressing spinal misalignments and muscle tension that may contribute to headaches and migraines, especially those related to tension and cervicogenic causes. Common chiropractic techniques include:

Spinal Adjustments: Gentle manipulations to realign the cervical spine, reducing nerve irritation and muscle tension that can trigger headaches and migraines.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like massage or trigger point therapy to release tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can relieve headache symptoms, especially for tension-type headaches.
Posture Correction: Chiropractors often address postural issues, helping patients improve ergonomics and reduce strain on the neck and upper spine, which may help prevent headaches.

Chiropractic care can reduce headache frequency, alleviate neck and muscle tension, and improve spinal alignment to prevent future episodes.

Physiotherapy for Headaches and Migraines

Physiotherapy aims to relieve muscle tension, improve posture, and enhance movement in the neck and upper body, which can help manage and prevent headaches and migraines. Key physiotherapy techniques include:

Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to relieve tension and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, helping support better posture and reduce tension that could trigger headaches.
Stretching and Flexibility: Stretching exercises improve neck and upper body flexibility, relieving muscle tightness and improving blood flow, which can reduce headache symptoms.
Posture Training: Educating patients on maintaining proper posture during daily activities, especially for those who work at desks or use screens frequently, to reduce the strain on the neck and shoulders.

Physiotherapy helps reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines by addressing muscle tension, improving posture, and enhancing joint function in the cervical spine.

Combined Approach

Chiropractic care and physiotherapy work well together in treating headaches and migraines, especially when related to muscle tension, posture, or neck issues. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve spinal misalignments, while physiotherapy focuses on strengthening and improving flexibility in the muscles that support the neck and upper back. Together, they provide an effective strategy for reducing headache frequency and severity, promoting long-term relief and prevention.

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches and Migraines Overview

Chiropractic Care for Headaches and Migraines

Physiotherapy for Headaches and Migraines

Combined Approach

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