Headaches

Physio Elements provide a range of treatments that can help people who suffer from headaches on a regular basis. Most people have suffered a headache at some time or another, but frequent, persistent or extremely painful headaches need to be investigated and treated. So if you take frequent pain killers to counter your headaches, then a physiotherapy consultation may well be important for your ongoing health.

What causes headaches?

The two most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines. Injuries, medications, poor posture, sitting long hours on the desk, sinus and trigeminal nerve problems, as well as environmental factors have all been found to be causes of headaches. Whilst, on the other hand, migraines can be caused by irritated nerves in the upper neck (vertebral dysfunction), medications or genetics, and can be triggered by caffeine, wine, beers, spirits, chocolate, MSG, dehydration, bright lights, loud sounds and a host of other factors.

How do we treat headaches?

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of headaches or migraines you suffer and the underlying cause (if it can be identified). An initial assessment of your headaches will be followed by a detailed history that may include neurological, spinal and orthopaedic evaluations. Sometimes X-Rays and an MRI may be required and if you have been attending a doctor or specialist for your headaches or migraines then it may be appropriate to liaise with these health care specialists to devise a suitable treatment program.

Physiotherapy can be extremely helpful in treating your headaches and migraines, particularly if they are related to the spinal joints in your neck. We also have a range of therapies that can reduce nerve irritation and muscle tensions that may be the cause of your problem. Mobilisations of the specific inter vertebral joints of the cervical spine that cause the headaches with hands on skills that our physios have. Massage, dry needling, trigger point release, and stretching, strengthening and posture exercises can all be of benefit.

For help healing your headaches and migraines, please call us on 03 9729 7777 or send us an email enquiry.