Headaches

Nearly one in four Americans experience frequent migraines, and most people experience some type of headache pain in their lifetime. Migraines are characterized by similar, but more severe symptoms than those that are experienced during a typical headache, which often disrupt the sufferer’s ability to perform necessary daily functions, as well as significantly reducing their quality of life.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are characterized by a dull, ongoing pain behind the eyes, around the temples, or at the base of the neck. These symptoms often occur alongside neck pain and stiffness. Migraines can range anywhere from mild to severe, debilitating pain and can sometimes cause light sensitivity and nausea.

Head Pain Image

The Causes of Migraines and Headache Pain

The most common causes of headaches include poor sleep, dehydration, and blood sugar fluctuations. Migraines frequently occur due to a combination of vascular and nerve changes, which can trigger inflammation and pain.

Headache Relief and Migraine Treatment

  • Soft tissue mobilization
  • Ultrasound
  • Iontophoresis
  • Electric stimulation (ESTM/TENS)
  • Neural stretching
  • Spinal mobilization
  • Active Release Technique® (ART)
  • Stretching
  • Heat Therapy
  • Manual traction therapy
  • Postural reeducation and strengthening therapy
  • How to Prevent Headaches:

    • Avoid performing long, respective tasks without frequent breaks.
    • Perform light exercise and other stress relief methods.
    • Improve your posture.
    • Stay hydrated, eat well, and get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
    • Reduce muscle tension in the head through massage or other relaxation techniques

    Neck

    Neck Pain Symptoms

    The neck pain can vary from sharp, dull or radiating pain. The symptoms can be also accompanied with stiffness and reduced range of motion. Pain or numbness may also radiate to the shoulders and arms as a shooting pain, and could even cause weakening or impair fine motor skills. Those symptoms can limit your functional and athletic activities and affect your daily living activities.

    Common Neck Disorders

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • Cervical degenerative disc disease
  • Cervical herniated disc
  • Cervical Radiculopathy or nerve compression
  • Cervical sprain or strain
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Foraminal stenosis
  • Impaired posture
  • Muscle strain or neck sprain
  • Pinched nerve
  • Disc herniation
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Whiplash or Whiplash-Associated Disorders
  • Treating Neck Disorders

    It is advised to contact your physician and discuss a conservative physical therapy treatment option.
    • Active Release Technique® (ART)
    • Stretching
    • Heat Therapy
    • Soft tissue mobilization
    • Kinesiology Taping
    • Manual traction
    • Postural reeducation and strengthening.
    • Stabilization
    Neck Pain Image