In the event when you had a headache or a migraine before, you probably understand that it’s more than “just a headache” and is no less than an overwhelming experience. The presence of that pain also leads to reduced productivity. It can also affect your ability to function through the day and sometimes it could affect your sleep quality and performance while doing ordinary activities, like sitting at the computer or even trying to get through a normal working day. In this blog we will understand why you should opt for physiotherapy for headache.
Many people think that headaches and migraines occur due to being too stressed or tired. However, sometimes they result from a very tight neck and shoulders, bad posture, nerve irritation, and/or limited spinal movement. This is where physiotherapy comes into the play. It doesn’t provide a quick fix, but it makes sure to provide a permanent solution for the problem instead of masking it.
Why Physiotherapy? Why Not Just Pop a Painkiller?
Painkillers can temporarily hide the symptoms of headache. Popping painkillers whenever you feel a headache can lead to severe problems. To get rid of the underlying cause of migraines and headaches, you need to opt for a natural and long lasting solution that works within the layers and targets every triggered point. Physiotherapy, a natural solution that is a perfect blend of traditional manual therapy techniques and modern equipment and strategic approach. When you walk to expert physiotherapists they operate you in a different way:
- First they identify the initial cause of your headache or migraine.
- Then they treat the physical dysfunction that is causing it.
- Once identified they put preventative measures in place to stop headaches or migraines from happening again.
- Then they train your body to handle stress more effectively.
What Actually Causes Headaches & Migraines?
Most of the people assume that headaches are random and normal, but physiotherapists know that there’s usually a pattern behind them. Persistent headaches can lead to severe issues and also indicate Migraine. However by analysing the patterns they analyse the common causes of headaches:
- Poor body posture (forward head and rounded shoulders)
- Tight neck and stiff shoulder muscles
- Jaw clenching and even grinding habits
- Desk-job
- Excessive use of smartphone
- Cervical and spine issues
- Stress due to muscle tension
- Lack of blood circulation to your head & neck muscles
For people suffering from migraine triggers may vary, they generally involve neurological sensitivity, but physical dysfunction can intensify or activate these symptoms. Here are some of the trigger points that lead to migraine:
Hormonal changes
Fluctuation in estrogen levels seems to trigger headaches in many people. This can happen before or during menstrual periods or during pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal medicines, such as oral contraceptives, also can worsen migraines. Some people, however, find that their migraines occur less often when taking hormonal contraceptives.
Alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol, especially wine, and too much caffeine, such as in coffee, can trigger a migraine.
Stress
Stress at work or home can cause migraines.
Sensory stimuli
Bright or flashing lights can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. Strong smells can trigger migraines in some people. These smells can include perfume, paint thinner, secondhand smoke and other triggers.
Sleep changes & Physical strain
Missing sleep or getting too much sleep can trigger migraines in some people. Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, might provoke migraines.
Weather changes & Medicines
A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine. Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitro-Dur, others), can aggravate migraines.
Foods & Additives
Aged cheeses and salty and processed foods might trigger migraines. Skipping meals also can bring on a migraine.These include the sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate, also called MSG. These additives are found in many foods.
So stop considering them normal. They are different and your body needs better support and alignment.
How Physiotherapy Helps Reduce Headache & Migraine Pain
Physiotherapy is a practice that uses a unique combination of hands-on, exercise-based, and lifestyle-guided to:
- To reduce pressure
- Improve alignment
- Restore balance.
1. Manual Therapy & Massage
It incorporates trigger-point therapy, muscle mobilization, along with soft tissue release. It helps in reducing tense muscles in the shoulders and neck. Not only this it also boosts the blood circulation. Manual therapy reduces the muscle tension by simply releasing the tissues that have been overworked. Guess, what will be the outcome? It causes less discomfort and pressure accumulation. That too particularly in the forehead, base of the skull, and behind the eyes.
2. Dry Needling / Acupuncture
Dry needling can provide instant and noticeable relief especially for those stubborn trigger points causing referred pain. It’s mostly effective for tension related headaches.
3. Posture Correction
Did you know when your head leans forward even for 2.5 cm, it increases the weight-load on your neck by approx 4–5 kg?
That is why experienced physiotherapists makes sure to assess:
- How you sit
- How you walk
- How you sleep
- How you work
Once it is done, they guide you about healthier and sustainable posture habits.
4. Strengthening Exercises
Do you know the biggest culprits behind chronic headaches? Well weak deep neck flexors and upper-back muscles lead to chronic headaches and discomfort.
Strengthening helps:
- Supports your spine
- Improves your body mechanics
- Also prevents the future pain cycles
5. Stretching & Mobility Training
By doing gentle and regular stretching you can release trapped nerves and tight fascia, especially around the cervical spine, shoulders, upper back and jaw. It helps to create long-term flexibility and movement freedom.
Small Lifestyle Changes Your Physiotherapist May Recommend
Here are some of the physiotherapist recommended changes you can incorporate to your lifestyle.
- Use a supportive pillow, not too high
- Keep the screen at your eye level
- Practice mindful breathing exercises
- Try to avoid abrupt jerky neck movements
- Take 2 to 3 stretch breaks every hour
By doing these small tweaks, you can lead to big changes.
A Quick 60-Second Neck Reset You Can Try Right Now
First of all sit tall. Then pull your chin slightly back. Start relaxing your shoulders and slowly turn your head towards RIGHT for at least 10 seconds. Then turn towards LEFT again for 10 seconds. Tilt your ear towards your shoulder (repeat this movement each side). Then finish with some gentle deep breaths.
Thinking About Trying Physiotherapy?
That’s the best thought, because cervical-related headache physiotherapy is the ultimate solution for you if you:
- Rely on painkillers very often
- Wake up with some neck stiffness
- Feel headaches after working for long on screens
- Feel tension behind your eyes or at the base of your skull
- Experiencing jaw tightness or some clenching
If you find any of these relatable, believe us physiotherapy could genuinely transform your daily comfort and quality of life. Are you looking for a trusted headache treatment in Mohali or want to get migraine pain relief our expert physiotherapists will help! Book your therapy session today!
