5 Most Common Types of Headaches
How do you know what kind of headache you have? (is it serious?)
Most people are familiar with the nagging pain caused from headaches. Headaches are a common cause of pain and can have a variety of causes and symptom presentation. If you have recently suffered a concussion, gotten a hit to the head, whiplash or been in a car accident and now have recurrent headaches, we can help. Headaches are complex and can be caused by a variety of factors.
There are two main general classifications to headaches:
Primary Headaches: Primary headaches are a result of abnormalities in the brain or head. These include tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines
Secondary: Headaches: Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying problem that does not have to do with the brain and could include a disease, medical condition or injury including cervicogenic headaches, headaches from whiplash or another cause in the neck. These headaches involve treating the source of the headache – not the symptoms.
5 Most Common Classifications of Headaches
How Can Our Physiotherapists Help?
At Westcoast SCI, we have two headache and concussion experts at both our Vancouver and Port Coquitlam locations. Our team of physiotherapists can help identify the type of headache you are suffering from and determine the underlying cause. Physiotherapists can treat cervicogenic headaches and other headaches by improving cervical mobility and strengthening deep muscles of the neck. Physiotherapists can also perform trigger point release, acupuncture and massage to help treat headache symptoms.
Physiotherapy Treatment of Headaches May Include:
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Posture training
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Mobilisation of the upper cervical (neck) joints
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Gentle manipulation of the cervical spine
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Massage and trigger point release
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Acupuncture
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IMS/ Dry Needling
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Stress management
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Work station assessment
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Advice regarding Physical activity
Headaches Related to Other Injuries/Disorders
Headaches can be a result of concussion, whiplash, neck injury, disease or many other causes. If your headaches begin occurring, or happen more frequently after an injury, a physiotherapist can help identify a possible concussion, or other visual vestibular deficiencies to help reduce headache pain and return you to full function. Additionally, physiotherapists can determine if you need to be referred to another specialist in addition to treatment from a physiotherapist to help decrease your recovery time and help you return to full function, faster and with better outcomes.
Come on in, we can help!
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