Stop headaches from being a pain in the neck

Most of us know what it’s like to have a relentless headache. The constant pounding, inability to concentrate or sleep and the severe impact it can have on everyday life. Fortunately most headaches aren’t serious and are easily treatable with a combination of physiotherapy and lifestyle changes to improve your posture.

What is a headache?
In general terms, a headache is a pain that occurs in the head and upper neck region of the body. It can affect a small portion or the entire head. The pain may be sharp or dull in nature and come with other symptoms like nausea, dizziness and light sensitivity.

Although the pain occurs in the head, the aches are most commonly caused by the upper neck region. This is known as a ‘cervicogenic’ headache.

Symptoms of a cervicogenic headache include:

• a constant dull ache at the back of the head, although sometimes behind the eyes or temple region
• pain on one side, but occasionally both sides of the head and face
• neck pain, stiffness and difficulty turning the neck, in association with their head symptoms
• pain, pins and needles or numbness in the upper back, shoulders, arms or hands, although this is less common.

Why do cervicogenic headaches occur?

These headaches typically occur due to damage to the neck joints, nerves, ligaments or muscles. Pain is referred into the head region because the nerves that supply the upper neck also supply the skin overlying the head, forehead, jaw line and back of the eyes and ears.

Certain activities place excessive stress on the upper joints of the neck. This may be a specific incident, e.g. car accident or heavy lifting or over time; repetitive activities such as prolonged slouching, poor posture, lifting or carrying, excessive bending or twisting of the neck, working at a computer or even housework.

The Urban Physio is here to help

Our busy urban lifestyles are a major contributing factor towards cervicogenic headaches. The Urban Physio focuses on restoring clients back to health from the havoc caused by the daily demands of life and is specifically trained in proven techniques that enable you to return to a pain-free and headache-free life.

At the Urban Physio, we use specific techniques such as trigger point release massage, dry needling and acupuncture, joint mobilization, joint manipulation (if needed), postural education, stretches and a strengthening programme to ensure your headaches banish. The result is relaxed muscles, neck joints that move the way they were made to, and a reduction of inflammation.

Click below to book your world-class appointment today or call 09 216 7799 to discuss how The Urban Physio can support your wellness for an urban lifestyle.