Headache is one of the most common and debilitating disorders in our society. It was found that 4.9 million Australian suffered from migraines. Migraine sufferers are more prevalent in women, consisting 71% of the cases, and the majority of them are at working age, at 86% (Deloitte Access Economics, 2018).
Common headache types include:
Tension
The most common headache type. A diffuse headache that affects the front and both sides of the forehead. The dull achy feeling can last from days to weeks and happens from once to everyday of the month.
Migraine
Common symptoms include throbbing pain on one side of the head and the pain could shift side. It can happen in average 1 to 4 times a month and each episode can last 4 to 72 hours.
Cluster
Stabbing or burning pain over one eye or temple area is the feature symptoms of cluster headache. It usually affects one side only. The frequency can be 1 to 8 times a day and each episode lasts 15 to 180 minutes.
Cervicogenic
Cervicogenic headache is a chronic headache type that is secondary to neck dysfunction, normally at C0/1/2/3. Typically, there is presentation of neck symptoms such as pain and stiffness, and neck movement can also provoke cervicogenic headache.
Physiotherapy
Headache management is often interprofessional. Physiotherapy treatment is considered one of the most effective non-drug-related management strategies. Physiotherapy treatment that could help include:
Manual therapy
Therapeutic exercise
Dry Needling
Cupping
Taping
Posture correction
Ergonomic assessment
If you are interested to know more about physiotherapy for headache and wonder if there is a suitable treatment technique for you, you are welcome to contact us through our website or ring us on 87328888.
By Wilson Hui
