An accurate diagnosis of your headaches is essential in order for you to receive the correct treatment. Physiotherapy is the gold standard for treating headaches and migraines using a variety of different techniques ranging from massage, acupuncture and exercise. We identify the root cause of the headaches whether it is coming from the neck, the jaw or even the shoulder. Other headaches do have different causes so a through assessment is necessary to make sure we are treating the right thing.
Typical Symptoms
Migraines
Cervicogenic Headaches
Migraines
Migraine headaches are a neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache pain. The symptoms of migraines can vary between individuals, but common symptoms include:
- Headache pain: Migraine headaches typically cause throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head. The pain can be intense and may worsen with physical activity.
- Sensitivity to light: Many people with migraines experience sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. Bright lights, sunlight, or even flickering screens can trigger or worsen migraine symptoms.
- Sensitivity to sound: People with migraines may become sensitive to sound, known as phonophobia. Normal sounds, such as conversations, music, or even loud noises, can become bothersome or painful during a migraine attack.
- Nausea and vomiting: Migraines often cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can accompany or precede the headache pain.
- Aura: Some individuals experience a sensory or visual disturbance called an aura before the onset of a migraine. Auras can include visual phenomena like flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines. Other possible aura symptoms include tingling sensations in the face or extremities, difficulty speaking, or temporary vision loss.
- Dizziness or vertigo: Migraines can cause a sense of dizziness or imbalance, making it difficult to maintain normal balance and coordination.
- Fatigue and cognitive difficulties: Many people feel tired or experience difficulty concentrating during a migraine attack. Some may also have trouble finding words or have temporary memory problems.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that originates from the neck or cervical spine. These headaches can be caused by various conditions affecting the structures in the neck, such as muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation. The common symptoms of cervicogenic headaches include:
- Unilateral head pain: Cervicogenic headaches typically cause pain on one side of the head. The pain may start in the neck or base of the skull and radiate to the front of the head, temples, or behind the eyes.
- Neck pain: Neck pain is a characteristic symptom of cervicogenic headaches. The pain is often described as a dull ache or stiffness in the neck and may be accompanied by restricted neck movement.
- Trigger points: Cervicogenic headaches can be associated with trigger points, which are specific areas of muscle tightness or knots in the neck and shoulder muscles. Pressing on these trigger points may reproduce or exacerbate the headache pain.
- Limited neck movement: People with cervicogenic headaches may experience a reduction in neck range of motion. Neck movements, such as turning the head or tilting it backward or forward, may be restricted or painful.
- Pain referred to the head: The pain from cervicogenic headaches is referred from structures in the neck to the head. It is commonly felt in the back of the head, temples, forehead, or behind the eyes.
- Tenderness: The muscles, joints, or other structures in the neck may be tender to touch or palpation. Pressure on these areas may reproduce the headache symptoms.
- Associated symptoms: Cervicogenic headaches can sometimes be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or visual disturbances. These additional symptoms may be related to the referral of pain or associated muscle tension.
