Headache and Migraine Relief Omaha, Nebraska

If you're one of the many Omahans suffering from regular headaches or migraines, you may be looking for relief. While there are various medications available to treat these conditions, you might be interested to know that physical therapy is one of your treatment options.  

Physical therapy is not typically regarded as a treatment for headaches or migraines. One reason is the over-reliance on pain relief medications as the first line of defense against these conditions. Another is the public perception that the musculoskeletal system, the focus of physical therapy, is not related to migraines.  

There is a fundamental lack of understanding about how physical therapy can benefit headache and migraine sufferers. But some studies have shown that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for certain types of headaches and migraines, and it may help you resume your day-to-day activities sooner. 

There are over 150 types of headaches. Tension headaches and migraines are among the most common. 

Tension headaches are usually related to the muscles in the back of the upper shoulders, neck, and head that come together around the skull's base. These muscles can cause an increase in tightness when they are overworked or stressed, resulting in pain or headaches. Typical causes of tension headaches are anxiety, stress, poor posture, and lack of sleep.  

Characteristics of tension headaches include:  

• Consistent mild to moderate pain located on both sides of the head that is not throbbing. 
• Responsive to over-the-counter treatment. 
• Worsen with routine activities and movements (like bending over). 

Migraines are typically accompanied by a host of other symptoms that don't come with a tension headache. The cause of migraines is unclear, but researchers believe they may be caused by unstable nerve cells overreacting to various triggers.  

The following are typical characteristics of a migraine:  

• Moderate to severe throbbing or pounding pain lasting from four hours to three days. 
• Light, noise, or odor sensitivity 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Stomach upset/abdominal pain  

Cervicogenic migraines, or cervicogenic headaches, may come with the symptoms of a typical migraine, but the pain, though also moderate to severe, is dull and not throbbing.  

The term "cervicogenic" originates from the cervical spine, essentially your neck. Several muscles are located at the base of your skull, where it connects with your neck to support and move your head. Nerves also travel from your neck, through this region at the base of your skull, and into your head. These muscles and nerves may be a source of neck pain or headaches.  

Muscles in the cervical region can become tense and tight from overuse. For example, sitting at a computer for long periods or sleeping in an awkward position can contribute to the tightness of these muscles. Poor or awkward positioning of the head, neck, and shoulders is another factor, along with sudden or unexpected movements or physical trauma to the affected region.  

Cervicogenic migraines can have the following characteristics:  

• Moderate to severe pain that is not throbbing 
• Pain on both sides of the back of the head 
• Pain on one side of the neck, radiating to the temple, forehead, or eye 
• Reduced range of neck motion 
• Pain in the back of the head that extends to one shoulder  

If you have frequent headaches or migraines, consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess you and make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.  

If you are diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches, your physician may suggest physical therapy as treatment. 

When you see a physical therapist, they will ask you about the history of your condition. They will also want to know when the pain began, medications you've tried, symptoms experienced, and diagnostic tests that have been done to diagnose your condition. They will also ask you about any previous treatments you have tried for your pain and review your past medical and surgical history.  

After the evaluation, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Several different types of physical therapy treatments may be recommended for headaches and migraines, depending on the underlying causes.  

Some standard therapies include:  

• Physical therapy exercises: Exercises can help improve blood circulation and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders, which may help to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraines. 
• Manual therapy: This involves hands-on treatment from a physical therapist, such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching. Manual therapy can help to relieve tension in the muscles and improve blood flow. 
• Trigger point therapy: involves releasing tight muscles that may be causing headaches or migraines. Trigger point therapy can be effective in relieving pain and restoring function. 
• Electrical Stimulation: involves using a transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (TENS) unit, consisting of a battery-powered device delivering low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the surface of your skin, at or near nerves where your pain is, or at trigger points.  

Your physical therapist may use one or a combination of different treatments for your headaches. Therefore, it is helpful to work closely with your therapist to understand which options are right for you and determine their efficacy for best managing your headaches.  

Physical therapy can help to relieve pain and improve function. It can also provide long-term benefits by helping to prevent future episodes of headaches and migraines.   

Do you live in Omaha or surrounding areas and are considering physical therapy as a treatment option? If so, the physical therapists at Nebraska Accident and Injury Clinic are happy to assist you in exploring the right treatment for you! Contact us today for a free consultation to get started on your path to proper pain management!