H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
HEADACHES:
Kinds, Causes, and Cures I HAVE SUFFERED FROM HEADACHES OFF AND ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I’VE ALWAYS ASSUMED THEY WERE MIGRAINES BUT THE MEDICATION MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBES ONLY HELPS TEMPORARILY WITH THE PAIN. COULD SOMETHING ELSE BE CAUSING THESE HEADACHES?
I OFTEN HAVE A FEELING OF PRESSURE IN MY HEAD THAT FEELS LIKE I’M WEARING A TIGHT BANDANNA THAT’S TWO SIZES TOO SMALL. THIS MAKES IT REALLY HARD TO CONCENTRATE AT WORK. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO RELIEVE MY SYMPTOMS?
Differentiating between the causes and categories of headaches can be a pain for both patients and healthcare practitioners. While over the years “migraine” has become almost synonymous with “headache,” a migraine is only one type of headache, typically caused by swelling of blood vessels deep within the brain and characterized by symptoms such as intense pulsating pain, nausea and/or vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
These symptoms are consistent with a “tension headache,” one of the most common types of headache around. They are typically triggered by the sustained contraction of the muscles in your neck, which can be brought on by factors such as poor posture, excessive stress, or a previous neck injury. In order to prevent or reduce the number of tension headaches you experience, try improving your posture, even while seated – no slouching! If you have to sit for long periods of time, make it a point to get up once every hour or so and walk around for a few minutes. Also, look for healthy ways to lower your stress levels, such as finding a physical activity you enjoy, journaling, or spending some time with people whose company you enjoy. Finally, if you have experienced a neck injury in the past, consult your doctor, who may then recommend that you visit a physical therapist, who can work with you to devise an exercise regimen to strengthen the muscles in affected areas.
HEALTH+FITNESS | September 2013
However, the fact is that there are many types of headaches. One kind actually originates in the joints or discs in your upper cervical spine (your neck,) causing you to feel pain in your head. These headaches, referred to as “cervicogenic,” are typically experienced on only one side and in a specific area, such as the back, side, or front of your head, and the pain is generally deep, non-throbbing, and made worse by neck movements and poor posture. You may also find it difficult to move your neck at all.
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By Adam Risinger, PT, OCS, Cert. MDT (Left) and Andrew S. Rothschild, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT (Right)
WHEN I GET A HEADACHE, I OFTEN BECOME DIZZY OR LIGHTHEADED AS WELL. I ASSUMED THAT I MUST HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY INNER EAR. IS THIS THE CASE? IF SO, HOW COMMON IS THIS? While dizziness is not always a feature of cervicogenic headaches, it can be present at times. The good news is that a specialized physical therapist is able to treat both cervical-related dizziness and that which is caused by the inner ear (vertigo.) A detailed evaluation of the head and neck will usually quickly identify the source of the problem and appropriate treatment can then be initiated.
HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP WITH MY HEADACHES? Physical therapists, especially those trained in “hands-on” therapy, can help identify the affected joints and/or muscles that cause both cervicogenic and tension headaches. Soft tissue and joint mobilizations have been shown to relieve these symptoms, while a specific exercise prescription can be utilized to correct the source of the problem. Your physical therapist can also provide you with education on how to change your workstation to reduce strain, as well as long-term exercises to prevent recurrences.
Adam Risinger is the Regional Education Coordinator of Results Physiotherapy, where Andrew S. Rothschild is a physical therapist. Results Physiotherapy has seven clinics in the greater Memphis area. For more information, visit them online at www.resultsphysiotherapy.com.