Have you ever experienced recurrent headaches or ones that appear after neck movements?
There are different types of headaches that respond to different treatments. Some are mild and resolve on their own while others can last for extended periods and can feel debilitating. Headaches can begin to affect ability to do everyday activities and overall quality of life.
If you are experiencing tension or cervicogenic headaches physical therapy will help reduce the symptoms. A cervicogenic headache develops in the cervical spine or neck and radiates to other areas.
What do these type of headaches feel like?
- They are usually coupled with pain with neck movement
- Pain in one or both sides of the neck
- Limited neck movement
- Muscle tightness and tenderness
How will physical therapy help?
- Improve neck range of motion
- Increase postural awareness and endurance
- Strength of neck, upper back and shoulder musculature
- Decrease intensity and frequency of neck pain
- Reduce overall experiences of headaches
During your physical therapy treatment you will be evaluated by a physical therapist to determine the for proper treatment which may consist of:
- Education about your headaches
- What you can do at home
- Exercises to improve strength and endurance
- Hands on therapy to address tightness and range of motion limitations
If you have been experiencing headaches and are unsure if physical therapy will help give us a call to set up an evaluation and find out how we are able to help you!
By Lindy VanDerBogart, PTA
