In the second of our Injuries Unpacked series, we're taking a look at an issue most of us will have experienced in our lives: the humble headache.
There are many different types of headaches that an individual can experience. Two types of recurring headaches that are common are neck related headaches and migraines. Many people don’t know that their neck pain can be related to (and causing) their headaches. How this occurs is pain receptors from the neck meet in the same area in the brain as pain receptors from the head region. When we feel pain in our necks, sometimes this pain is misinterpreted as coming from the head and our brain tells us we have a headache as well. The causes of migraines on the other hand are not very well known and can vary widely from person to person, taking in to account environmental and genetic factors.
If you are unsure what type of headache you may be experiencing, the symptoms are quite different between neck related headaches and migraines.
If you are unsure of what type of headache you are experiencing or not sure who to get help from, a physiotherapist is a good place to start. A physiotherapist can help diagnose what type of headache you have through questions about the history of your headache combined with a thorough physical examination.
Once diagnosis of the type of headache has been made, the physiotherapist will know what is causing your headaches and tailor your treatments accordingly. If they feel that you may have a migraine type headache the physiotherapist may refer you to a doctor for further help.
Experiencing headaches? Get in touch with the clinic today, to book in with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
STC has adapted to the COVID-19 crisis:
For those that do not need hands-on treatment or are in the vulnerable person category, we are now offering online physiotherapy and online classes, which are claimable via your health fund rebates.
We are still offering face to face physiotherapy services for those with significant musculoskeletal pain or post-surgical rehabilitation, this may change if the crisis escalates.
We are offering several classes online including Pilates and Mums & Bubs post/antenatal rehabilitation. We’re able to facilitate varied online classes, so if you’re more comfortable with conducting your rehab from home, let us know and we’ll arrange to have you dialled in online to a class.