Headache

THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU TO KNOW IS HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SYMPTOMS OF A MIGRAINE COMPARED WITH A HEADACHE SO YOU CAN SEEK THE APPROPRIATE TREATMENT.

HEADACHE OR MIGRAINE???

A common cause of a headache is referred pain from the upper neck, these shouldn’t be confused with a migraine as the conditions have very different causes and therefore require different treatments.

A migraine is due to a swelling of the blood vessels within the skull leading to pain. In contrast a headache arises from irritation of the structure surrounding the upper three vertebrae in the neck with the pain referring to the head.

The major signs of a headache are pain initiated or increased by neck movements, postures or external pressure on the neck. The pain should not throb but feel continuous in a dull, heavy manner. In contrast a migraine pain will throb and often shift sides of the head. Migraines will also often be associated with nausea/vomiting and apprehension to bright light or noise.

Physiotherapy is effective in treating headaches as apposed to migraines through normalising movement between the upper thre neck joints; ensuring muscle tension and strengh is balanced; enabling nerves freedom of movement as they pass through the joints and muscles of the neck; and decreasing postural strain on the ligament supports of the upper cervical spine by improving deep muscle function.

Physiotherapy will not be as effective in treating migraines as they commonly require medication and therefore consulting your GP in more appropriate.