If you are currently dealing with the burden of regular or recurring headaches, chances are you are not alone.

In a National Health Interview Survey, the CDC found 1 in 5 women and close to 1 in 10 men (both 18 years or older) reported experiencing a severe headache or a migraine within the last three months.  

Headaches create distractions and inconveniences during work or other daily activities. In some cases, the pain limits a person’s ability to keep up with their routine and diminishes quality of life. Trying to manage these symptoms often leads to further frustration when other treatments fail to provide relief or when you don’t know who to turn to for help.

Here, we’ll cover the different types of headaches and how physical therapy may be able to help if you frequently suffer from headaches and migraines.  

Headache Disorders

A headache is a broad term referring to pain felt in any part of the head. This doesn’t mean all head pain is the same, however.

According to the International Headache Society, headache disorders may be classified as follows:

  • Tension-type
  • Migraine and cluster
  • Dysfunction of the nerves in the head or neck
  • Secondary headaches from an underlying condition (trauma or injury to the neck, infectious disease, sinus disorder, or vascular disorder)

Manage Tension Discomfort with Physical Therapy

If you aren’t sure which category of pain you’re experiencing, your physical therapist can help determine the cause. Physical therapists are experts in managing pain related to muscle tension and spasms, which are the driving cause of tension headaches.

Tension-type headaches result from muscle imbalance caused by chronic issues such as poor posture, jaw problems, stress or fatigue. Patients who experience these types of headaches describe tension that starts at the neck and may radiate to the top of the head and eyes, or behind the ear and into the cheek.

Strained muscles are also the culprit of pain that can result in headaches following a more acute injury, such as a car accident.

What if My Pain Isn’t Tension Related?

Even when headaches originate from other causes, your physical therapist will guide you through limitations caused by the pain so you can enjoy day-to-day activities again.

While physical therapists are more known for treating headaches caused by muscles, in some cases they can also help manage pain from other types of headaches as well. Patients with regular migraines may seek out physical therapy after other treatments, including medications, have failed to provide relief.

If the recurring pain in your head is caused by something outside of your physical therapist’s scope, they will direct you to the appropriate provider.  

Live Life Your Way with SetPT

Your physical therapists at SetPT are ready to help you eliminate the burdens of headaches so you can live your life to the fullest. You will have our full attention as we determine patterns or triggers to your pain and find solutions to avoid them.

We provide one-on-one care with treatment plans catered to your individual needs. Our therapists have the tools and expertise, including specialized training of hands-on treatments, extensive knowledge in specific corrective exercises, and dedicated time to address your concerns and assist you on your journey to wellness.  

If you are struggling with regular headaches and would like to learn more, contact your local SetPT location today to get started.