Do you experience headaches on a regular basis?

Guest post by Corey Dieser, DPT

At any given time, nearly 50% of people are experiencing a headache, often interfering with physical and mental functions, relationships, and emotions.^1,2  Although a common belief is that these symptoms are best managed by medication, or if serious, a doctor (neurologist), seeking treatment from a physical therapist  can have a large positive impact on your symptoms.  There are generally three different types of classification: tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraine headaches. 

Tension-type headaches are usually on both sides of the head, do not pulse, and do not change with activity.  These symptoms generally have pain referral from neck muscles in a predictable pattern based on the specific muscles involved.³  Cervicogenic headaches are usually only on one side of the head, symptoms likely change with neck motions, and pain may shoot down towards the shoulder.⁴  These headaches are generally associated with joint structures in the neck.  Migraine headaches are usually related to blood flow problems for a variety of possible reasons.  Migraines present with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, throbbing or pounding, or vomiting may be present.  If you have headaches, make sure you mention this to a healthcare provider.

Now that you have an idea of the different types of headaches and consider the effect it has on your life, see how a therapist can help develop an individualized treatment plan to decrease the pain and burden of your headaches.

1.      Jensen, R., & Stovner, L. J. Epidemiology and comorbidity of headache.population, 3, 7. 

2.      Wiendels, N. J., van Haestregt, A., Neven, A. K., Spinhoven, P., Zitman, F. G., Assendelft, W. J. J., & Ferrari, M. D. (2006). Chronic frequent headache in the general population: comorbidity and quality of life. 

3.      Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas, C., Cuadrado, M. L., Arendt‐Nielsen, L., Simons, D. G., & Pareja, J. A. (2007). Myofascial trigger points and sensitization: an updated pain model for tension‐type headache. Cephalalgia, 27(5), 383-393.

4.      Sjaastad, O., Fredriksen, T. A., & Pfaffenrath, V. (1998). Cervicogenic headache: diagnostic criteria. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain,38(6), 442-445.