Migraines and tension headaches
Migraines and tension headaches
Almost one person out of two between 18 and 65 admit to be suffering from headaches once in a while. Headaches, also called cephalalgia, correspond to a pain felt in the skull region. Tension headaches are the ones that can be treated with physiotherapy. Migraines, in turn, mostly require treatment with medication. Consult your doctor for this.
Migraines
They generally come without warning. They begin with a throbbing or pulsating pain (heart beating in the head) and is located on only one side of the head. They are often accompanied by nausea and intolerance to noise or light.
They are triggered by certain factors:
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stress, hunger, fatigue
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overconsumption of caffeine, of alcohol or of certain foods, ...
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the feeling of a peculiar smell
Tension headaches
They are the most frequent headaches. We call them “tension headaches” because they cause a feeling of tension in the head. In most cases, those headaches are benign. However, if your symptoms get worse, consult your doctor.
The symptoms of tension headaches
- A continuous pain that affects the two sides of the head
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Getting worse with stress but improved by rest
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Difficulty to concentrate
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Heavy head feeling, tension in the neck muscles
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Habitual physical activity does not aggravate symptoms
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No nausea or vomiting
Triggers of a tension headache
Physiotherapy interventions by your physiotherapist for your tension headache
- Decrease inflammation and pain in the cervical and cranio-vertebral regions, using:
- Regaining the range of motion of the upper cervical vertebras lost with:
- Working the sutures of the skull bones that must maintain a slight mobility (even in adulthood). A blockage of the cranial bones can cause pain in this region.
- Strengthening the muscles affected in the “upper cervical” area in order to avoid the risks of recurrence.
- Finding work methods that are best suited to your needs.
Your physical therapist is the specialist of the musculoskeletal system. Give him a call! An untreated tension headache can lead to stop your regular occupations several days a month. Often, the treatment is not complicated and the results are surprising. Your physical therapist can help you improve your condition and regain your quality of life and activities that are important to you!