Chronic headaches and migraines can be debilitating and frustrating conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While over-the-counter or prescription medications can provide temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of the problem. Physical therapy, on the other hand, can be an effective treatment option for those who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines.
Physical therapy involves the use of various techniques and exercises to improve movement, strength, and function. It can be beneficial for people with chronic headaches as it can reduce musculoskeletal impairments and restrictions related to neck pain and re-educate you on proper posture. Patients who seek physical therapy as a medication-free treatment for their conditions can experience decreased frequency of episodes and improved quality of life.
What Causes Chronic Headaches
One common cause of chronic headaches is muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. This tension can be caused by poor posture, stress, overuse, or weakness of certain muscles. Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the neck and shoulders, which can help to reduce muscle tension and lessen pain.
Another cause of chronic headaches is poor blood flow to the head and neck. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture or tension in the neck and shoulders. Physical therapy can help improve blood flow through hands-on treatment to reduce inflammation, focused attention to posture, the proper balance of strength in musculature supporting the head and neck, and targeted exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to maintain positive improvement and wellness.
What Causes Migraines
Migraines are a neurologic disorder that often causes a very strong headache resulting in impaired vision and sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. Migraines vary significantly from person to person, with each individual migraine fluctuating in severity. Treatment provided by a physical therapist can help to decrease pain, improve mobility, and provide postural correction and training to help reduce musculoskeletal impairments from increasing a person’s predisposition to migraines.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Headaches
Based on the findings of your evaluation, your physical therapist will determine the appropriate services to include in your care plan. Some individuals suffering from headaches or migraines may have other areas of concern, such as symptoms of jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ disorders, which affect the joints that connect the jaw to the skull, can also cause headaches. Poor posture, especially of the shoulders and neck from significant computer or desk time, can also lead to TMJ and headaches. Under the guidance of your physical therapist, all of these things will be part of your individualized evaluation and addressed during your comprehensive care plan.
With the goal of reducing how your musculoskeletal system may be influencing your headaches or migraines, physical therapy can help improve your overall health and reduce the frequency and severity of these painful episodes.
Break Free of Headache Fog
If you suffer from chronic headaches, consider trying physical therapy. With Bay State Physical Therapy as your partner in health, you can find relief and improve your quality of life. Break free of your head fog by calling your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location to schedule or completing the form below to request an evaluation.
Resources:
- https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/3-ways-physical-therapist-help-manage-headaches
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7351966/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787727
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/pt-for-migraines-5114436
- https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/neck-pain-migraine/
