Before explaining how physiotherapy helps cervicogenic headaches , let’s first see what this is and how it may occur. One of the most common complaints people have is headaches.
However, those experiencing them are affected in the worst case because this can impact daily life and work and hinder them from carrying out their tasks effectively. One of the most common types of headache is cervicogenic headache. NIH states that CGH affects 22–25% of the adult population with females being four times more affected than men. Cervicogenic headache originates in the neck area and goes towards the head. The most common type of treatment for cervicogenic and other types of headaches is physiotherapy. In this article, we will discuss how physiotherapy can help with cervicogenic and other headaches for pain relief.
A headache is one of the most common yet misdiagnosed conditions. Cervicogenic headaches can cause neck stiffness, irritation, nerve irritation, and muscle tightness. The headache often starts at the base of the skull and usually goes to one side of the head. One can also experience pain behind their eyes or towards their forehead and temples. In serious conditions, the upper back, shoulders, and neck start to stiffen up, which can further limit the mobility of the neck. Cervicogenic headaches can also present with dizziness, or nausea
Physiotherapy is one of the most common yet simple solutions to cervicogenic headaches and other types of headaches. This therapy is a non-invasive method. With exercise and simple lifestyle changes, physiotherapy services in Cyprus can improve the quality of life. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, increase movement, and strengthen the neck and upper body muscles. The main aim of physiotherapy for cervicogenic headaches is to reduce the frequency of headaches and further increase and strengthen the movement of the body muscles.
The physiotherapist will focus on the movement of neck joints and allow them to work better.
This can help reduce inflammation and allow movement of the neck.
The techniques used will normally be cervical mobilization, which will allow the neck to move freely without discomfort, and manipulation, which will target adjustments, allowing tension release and improving the neck’s alignment.
Cervicogenic headaches can tighten neck muscles. Physiotherapists use techniques to release neck tension and loosen up the muscles. Massage therapy will relax your neck and shoulder muscles. Secondly, myofascial release focuses on releasing tension from the connective tissue around the muscle and improve the range of motions of joints.
Cervicogenic headaches are often related to poor posture, which can worsen the headache. If you wonder how physiotherapy helps cevicogenic headaches you need to understand how physiotherapy will allow you to carry out your daily tasks in a way that doesn’t strain your neck. For those who have to sit for long hours at the desk, physiotherapists will provide them with ways to work comfortably for longer hours and offer them postural education to keep their head and neck positioned in a way that does not strain their muscles.
Stretches can help reduce muscle tightness and improve flexibility, which can help alleviate headaches from the neck area. Regular stretches will include upper back stretches that will loosen up the neck and head area and neck rotation exercises that will improve flexibility and mobility in the neck area
This is the most common way physiotherapy treats cervicogenic headaches. Physical therapy in Nicosia GESY provides stress relief, and relaxation techniques include deep breathing and mindfulness to prevent headaches and reduce tension-related headaches as well.
Migraines are neurological conditions. Those who get migraines can experience an attack that can last from 4 hours, and in severe cases, a migraine can last up to 72 hours as well. Common symptoms that are associated with migraines include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to loud sounds and lights. Physiotherapy treatment for migraines will consist of massages, application of hot and cold packs, along with stretching exercises and aerobic conditioning.
Tension headaches are when one experiences a sensation of tightness around one or both sides of the head. Tension headaches are usually caused by stress, lack of sleep, or poor posture. Physiotherapy can help with tension headaches, including manual therapy and massages to reduce muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulder area.
Physiotherapy for headaches can reduce the frequency and intensity of the headaches one is experiencing. You should look for a physiotherapist near me because physiotherapy is a non-invasive approach. It not only helps with headaches but also improves other body parts, such as improving body functions, increasing oxygen supply, improving blood flow, and reducing pain and inflammation. One can expect improvement in a few weeks to several months with physiotherapy. The improvement occurs gradually, but physiotherapy’s long-term effects on headaches are worth it.
Yes, physiotherapy is indeed an effective way to treat cervical (neck related) problems. Manual therapy, specific exercises and postural correction strengthen surrounding muscles and increase neck mobility, and reduce symptoms of pain. Research has shown that it works to treat chronic cervical pain and alleviate quality of life.
Further Reading:
Effectiveness of different physiotherapy interventions in the treatment of cervicogenic headache
Effective exercises include:
Do these exercises with the guidance of a physiotherapist to make sure you’re doing the exercises properly and safely as you recover.
Further Reading:
The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are commonly involved in cervicogenic headaches. It’s also possible that muscles such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid become tense, poorly postured or overused. Physiotherapy addressing muscle tightness and imbalances is important in reducing symptom management
Exercise alleviates headaches by:
Regular, moderate exercise decreases headache frequency and severity.
Yes, physiotherapy does help cervicogenic headaches (headaches derived from the cervical spine from muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or bad posture). Dysfunctions that aggravate headaches can be relieved by methods of manual therapy, soft tissue methods, mobilizations, and strengthening exercises to restore neck function and reduce the headache frequency and intensity. According to studies, physiotherapy interventions produce a significant improvement in cervicogenic headaches.
Further Reading:
The most effective treatment is a combination of physiotherapy, manual therapy (joint mobilizations or manipulations), postural correction and appropriate exercise. Physiotherapy works to do this by helping to improve cervical spine alignment, relaxing tight muscles, and strengthening supportive muscles. Ergonomic adjustments to desk posture and regular movement also provide long term relief, according to evidence.
Further Reading:
Yes, physiotherapy is an effective treatment for neck pain AND associated headaches. Physiotherapists use manual therapy, guided exercises and postural training to manage the underlying problems such as muscle tightness, joint stiffness and bad ergonomic work practices. Proper neck function is restored, muscle tension is reduced, posture is improved and pain is relieved and recurrence is prevented.
Massage relieves headache pain by:
Massage is particularly effective for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches caused by tight muscles and poor posture.