Help! My Head is Killing Me!

Headaches can range from mildly annoying symptoms to being completely debilitating. Are you finding yourself holding your temples, squeezing your eyeballs, or just cradling your head for any fraction of relief? You're not alone and there may be hope. While not all headaches can be treated without powerful medications, there are some common forms that can be. First lets briefly look at the various types of headaches.

Headaches can manifest as the result of a multitude of causes. According to the International Headache Society there are five major classifications headaches.

• Tension headache, including cervicogenic type, are thought to be caused by tension of neck and head muscles. Symptoms include tension and pain that wraps around the head into the temples, and behind the eyes.

• Sinus headache is the result of inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities. These types of headache tend to increase in severity if the person looks down or attempts to lay down. These can often be treated with antibiotics, over the counter decongestants, antihistamines, and time.

• Cluster headaches are still a bit of a mystery. A thorough understanding of their causes has yet to be identified. These headaches manifest as one sided extremely painful and often debilitating pain feeling restless, and excessive tearing of the eyes. If these types of headaches are severe and frequent you may want to see your doctor about treatment.

• Rebound headaches can occur as a result of discontinuing the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or over the counter pain relievers.

• Migraines have specific diagnostic criteria which include a headache for more than 15 days out of a month, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivities, and auras.

So what happens next?

If you suffer from frequent or chronic headaches, chances are you’re already fairly certain of having a particular headache type and may even have a diagnosis.

Why choose Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy has been shown to be an effective pain reduction and even pain elimination treatment course. The effects can be almost immediate. PT can address cervical joint mobility, muscle and soft tissue mobility, and even conditions involving the jaw. PT can also guide you in a cervical postural and muscle control rehabilitation program. Improving the tissue environment of the areas that can influence head pain can be a significant step forward in the reduction and even prevention of headache symptoms.

How can Go! Physical Therapy help you? When a headache is so severe that is leaves you unable to leave the house:

• Go! Physical Therapy will come to you.

• We have varied and flexible hours to meet your needs 7 days a week.

• We will treat you within the comfort and convenience of your own home.

• Please allow us to help you return to your life by reducing and preventing your headache symptoms. Call or click here to schedule an appointment today.