Headaches

Physical Therapy Can Help With Chronic Headaches

Say Goodbye To Painful Headaches With Physical Therapy

We’ve all been there before: you’re trying to get some work done, or your grocery shopping, or spending time with friends. All of a sudden, the pain hits! Did you know that approximately 80-90% of people across the U.S. endure occasional or frequent tension headaches? You are not alone. In fact, headaches are the third most commonly reported source of pain across the world.

Most of the time, our first instinct is to take some form of pain-relieving medication when it comes to headaches. Physical therapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache, however, it can really help. This is especially true in cases of chronic headache pain.

Over the counter medication can help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches or migraines, these kinds of drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physical therapy will. 

A majority of headaches are attributed to cervicogenic headaches, meaning that they are related to the neck in some form. This means that having poor posture, experiencing a lot of stress, and other factors can contribute to weakness, strain, and injury to the neck muscles and joints. This pain radiates up into the scalp, side of the head, and even the forehead, depending on the area of the neck involved.

If you live in or around the Redondo Beach, CA area and suffer from headaches, don’t hesitate to contact (Exhale Physical Therapy & Pilates.) Whether they are acute and temporary or constant and chronic (such as migraines), headaches can all be treated with physical therapy at Exhale Physical Therapy & Pilates. Give us a call today at (310) 896-8763 or click here to request your first appointment and put an end to your headaches.

Different kinds of headaches

Did you know that there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from different causes? The three main types of headaches include:

Cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are related to neck pain, and involve the three vertebrae at the top of the neck. These headaches can develop as a result of certain conditions, such as a concussion or arthritis, but work-related strain can also trigger a cervicogenic headache. People who work in professions that require a down-turned motion of the neck or head are the most prone for developing cervicogenic headaches. This may include chefs, nail artists, hairdressers, long-haul drivers, jewelers, etc.

Tension headaches

These are the most common forms of headache. Tension headaches can occur due to repetitive motions or poor posture in the neck/head. Tension headaches happen because of a strain on the “dura mater,” which is a sensitive membrane around the brain. The dura mater lies in close proximity to small muscles at the base of the skull that go into spasm when the dura mater becomes strained, thus sending pain signals to the brain and causing your headache.

Musculoskeletal headaches

Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there are significant amounts of tension in the neck. This is typically a result of weaknesses, physical imbalances, or damage, although emotional tension (such as stress) can also be a contributing factor. A traumatic injury to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. With neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck can become torn or strained. This can lead to agonizing pain radiating in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.

How will physical therapy benefit me?

If you are suffering from headaches and looking for long-term relief, contact our Redondo Beach, CA physical therapy office today. At Exhale Physical Therapy & Pilates, we are dedicated to providing you with the best treatments for your headaches.

At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a thorough assessment of your body, and ask you questions about your pain symptoms and medical history in order to determine what type of headache you are experiencing and where the root cause of the pain is located.

A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery. Our therapists at Exhale Physical Therapy & Pilates know that no two patients are alike, and neither are their symptoms. Rest assured that your treatment plan will be created especially for you, customized with the best exercises and modalities for your specific condition.

Ready to kiss headaches goodbye?

To schedule your appointment, Contact Us Today at Redondo Beach, CA Center to speak to one of our skilled physical therapists.

At Exhale Physical Therapy & Pilates, our treatments for headaches focus on relieving pain, improving posture and strengthening muscles in the neck and upper back.

Our treatments will decrease your pain and make your day to day life much more enjoyable. What are you waiting for? Relief is just a phone call away!