Headaches
Pain of any type that occurs in any part if the head is called a headache. There are many different types of headaches, with just as many causes. The International Headache Society describes several different categories: Tension-type, Migraine and cluster, secondary headaches, and cranial neuralgias-facial pain-other. Most headaches are harmless and usually resolve on their own. Severe headaches that are recurring can affect your ability to perform daily activities and can reduce your quality of life.
There is effective treatment for almost every type of headache. The challenge lies in determining the specific type of headache on is having and what the causes for it are. Physical therapists can help determine the type of headache and are experts in managing the pain.
Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headaches in adults. They may be causes by neck or jaw problems, poor posture, fatigue, or stress. A tension-type headache usually begins at the back of the head and spreads to the top of the head and the eyes. You may feel an increase in facial pain, tightness and tugging along the hair line or cheek near the jaw bone.
A Physical therapist can help by performing a thorough examination that includes your health history. The therapist will as several questions to determine the most likely cause of your headaches. The therapist will work with you to correct the problems that are causing your headaches and will help you to learn to prevent them through simple changes in your posture and lifestyle.
The information provided above is from the American Physical Therapy Association. For further information visit