Whether it be a dull ache that’s in the background, a throbbing pain behind the eyes or a pressing pain on both sides, headaches have been known as the most common complaint of civilized man, and most would rather do without! Headaches are generally infrequent and waking up everyday with a headache is not normal and should be addressed if this is the case.

So, what exactly can cause headaches? How do you overcome it? and how can you prevent it?

There are many types of headaches which can be further narrowed down to 3 main types. Tension, Migraine and Cervicogenic headaches.

Tension headaches:

These are the type of headache that feels like a constant pressure on both sides of the head. They are normally caused by environmental factors, emotional stresses (such as anxiety or depression), lack of sleep and hunger.

Migraines:

These are the kind of headaches that you know are there! They are normally characterised as a throbbing, beating or pulsing, although occasionally the pain is steady. Commonly it starts in the temple or forehead on both sides, when it starts on one side it may spread to the other side. Some other symptoms can include photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound) and even nausea. Although the cause of migraines is not completely understood, research shows that environment and genetics do appear to play a role.

Cervicogenic headaches:

This type of headache can be similar to migraines as in they make themselves known. They are normally of moderate intensity and can either be continuous or on/off. Cervicogenic headaches often start at the base of the skull or neck and move around to the forehead – generally on one side of the head. Some other symptoms can include nausea, blurred vision, dizziness and photophobia. The culprit for these types of headaches is the head and neck region – whether it be abnormalities of the joints, muscles or nerves.

The cause of headaches can be referred from the upper cervical nerve roots, vertebrae within the cervical spine which can irritate some of the sensory nerves, or caused by tightness in the neck and head muscles.

These headaches may present as:

• Pain & tension in the neck
• Pain, ache & pressure in the forehead and back of the head
• Pain that is made worse with sustained and/or repeated positions and movement of the neck

So how do I overcome this and prevent reoccurrence?

is effective in providing relief to those with headaches and can help by:

• Gaining mobility within the neck joints
• Releasing the muscles in that region
• Reducing the tension within the nerves in the neck
• Addressing the causes of poor posture
• Providing specific exercises like Clinical Pilates to help improve motor control of the body which has been proven to be beneficial in the long-term.

If you are unsure as to which type of headache you may be suffering from,  and what you can do for relief short and long term, your Physiotherapist can complete specific assessments to determine which type and provide an action plan to address the cause and prevent further headaches.

Erin Gleadell

Physiotherapist

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