headaches

Headaches have the potential to destroy your plans for the day and interfere with your ability to accomplish tasks. Frequent headaches are the most common form of pain in the U.S., reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Nine of ten adults experience headaches, with millions facing them multiple times a week. Instead of suffering through the pain, learn more about the condition, and find out how physical therapy can help.

Tension headaches are the most common form. They are generally mild to moderate in severity and occur infrequently. However, some people may experience severe tension headaches three or four times per week. The shoulders and neck may ache, and the most common causes include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, emotional stress or injury.

Chronic daily headaches, reports the Mayo Clinic, are diagnosed when they occur 15 or more days a month for a period of more than three months. Depending on the presence of underlying health conditions, these may include both tension headaches and migraines. For those with migraines, causes range from hypertension (high blood pressure) to severe medical problems. Fortunately, the majority are usually tension headaches, not migraines.

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR HEADACHES

Visiting a physical therapist is an excellent alternative to traditional medication management of headaches. According to Move Forward PT, physical therapy has been extensively studied and proven to decrease intensity, frequency and duration of headaches. This is achieved through several means, including:

• Increasing the amount of exercise a person receives, which has been shown to decrease pain and inflammation, as well as promote overall healing. Ultimately, more activity amounts to better movement of the joints and improved health.
• Physical manipulation of the joints and muscles to improve the mobility of the head and neck. As a result, muscle tension and spasms decrease, reducing their risk of contributing to head pain.
• Education for patients to understand triggers that contribute to headaches, such as improper posture, eye strain and even sleeping in the wrong position. This is the first-line defense against pain returning, after obtaining treatment.

Ultimately, any frequency of headaches is a problem if it interferes with your responsibilities or recreational activities. Fortunately, physical therapy can help.