Physiotherapy for migraines & Headaches

Migraines are a type of headache characterized by a sharp, throbbing pain. It can last for hours or even days on end and can induce nausea or be accompanied by sensitivity to sound, light, and smells.

Migraines typically happen in four stages. The first stage being Prodrome where an individual’s mood changes and they could experience food cravings, constipation, and other symptoms. The next stage is Aura, which causes visual disturbances like vision loss; however, most people do not experience this stage. This stage can also be accompanied by facial numbness and difficulty speaking. The third stage is the migraine itself, which feels like an intensely sharp pain on one or both sides of the head. It can occur a few times a year or a few times a month depending on the person. The final stage is Postdrome, where the individual may feel dizzy, exhausted, or confused and it can last for a full day.

Causes

Many factors can trigger a migraine attack. Here are a few:

• Low serotonin levels can cause an imbalance in brain chemicals that control nervous system pain.
• Women are more likely to get migraines than men, especially during puberty. Some are prone to migraines before or after their period.
• Age can cause a spike in the frequency of migraines as it tends to peak during your 30s.
• Family history is an indicator of whether you are prone to getting migraines. If you have family members that get them, then you are also at a higher risk of developing migraines.
• Hormonal meds like oral contraceptives can trigger migraines. But, some women have reported experiencing fewer migraines while taking these medications.
• Salty and processed foods might also trigger migraines, poor eating habits also being a factor in the onset of an attack.
• High caffeine drinks can induce migraines.
• Poor sleep and a change in sleeping patterns, like a lack of sleep or too much sleep, can prompt headaches.
• Sudden changes in your environment, like a spike in temperatures, may also provoke a migraine attack.
• Physical factors like doing intense exercise might also cause migraines.

Physiotherapy and Migraines

Since migraine is a condition that affects the central nervous system, physiotherapy can help relieve you from its pain. Medicine and other treatments might address issues concerning your nerves and blood vessels, but physiotherapy can help manage pain from muscles and joints. The effectiveness of physiotherapy on relieving migraine pain depends on how much of your pain stems from muscles and joints.

It is essential to have a health professional determine whether your headaches are moderate or severe, like a migraine. They will be able to decide what the best treatment plan is for you and how to prevent future attacks. One of the most common types of head pain is a cervicogenic headache. It strikes the neck and can cause pain in your jaw, head, and even the back of your eyes. You might have difficulty turning your head during this headache.

To figure out what is causing your headaches and find the best treatment options, book an appointment at Pro Fusion Rehab. We have locations in Milton and Pickering. Our physiotherapists can help relieve pain and tension in your muscles and joints quickly and effectively.