Can Physio Help with Headaches

By: Manpreet Nijjar

Can Physio Help with Headaches?

Headaches are a very common condition that can affect up to 50% of the population every year.

But did you know that physiotherapy may be able to help? More commonly, physiotherapy can

help with certain types of headaches called tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.

Cervicogenic Headaches and Tension headaches are common types of headaches that derive

from the structures in your neck - including the joints and the surrounding muscles.

Tension Vs Cervicogenic Headaches

Tension headaches are usually related to the muscles around the upper back, shoulders, neck,

and the base of the skull. These muscles are known to be postural muscles and can become

overworked and in turn, can tighten or tense up over time. The increased strain on the head can

lead to headaches. Typical causes include emotional stress, anxiety, prolonged postures and

poor sleep.

Cervicogenic Headaches are headaches that occur due to dysfunction from the joints, discs,

and/or nerves of the neck. Lack of mobility in the neck can lead to increased stress on the head

and neck which can cause headaches. Some causes include poor or prolonged postures,

traumatic injuries to the neck such as whiplash, or muscle tension or strain.

Symptoms:

Tension headaches typically occur on both sides of the head and can present as a constant

pressing/pressure pain or a dull ache.

Cervicogenic headaches usually affect one side of the head and may spread to the front of the

head. This type of headache is associated with a stiff neck and may feel like a constant, steady

ache which worsens with head/neck movement.

How can physiotherapy help?

A physiotherapist can perform a detailed subjective and physical assessment to determine the

origin of your headaches and to see if physical therapy can help with or resolve your symptoms.

The aim of your physiotherapist will be to:

- Use manual therapy techniques to improve the mobility of your head, neck, shoulders,

and back

- Demonstrate and provide therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in

that region

- Provide education on how to minimize the factors that lead to headaches in your daily

life based on your individual needs