Headaches are very common and seem to pop-up out of nowhere at times. These pains can be very easy to get rid of or tend to hang around for a bit. One of the most common types of headaches is the Cervicogenic type.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
There are many types of headaches and each of them is a little bit different. Many people have headaches that start in the muscles or joints of the neck. The name for this type of headache is cervicogenic and it is the most common type of headache.
The word cervical refers to the neck, and cervicogenic means originating in the neck.
People also suffer from migraine headaches or tension-type headaches. People who have migraines or tension-type headaches may also have a cervicogenic component to their head pain. In other words, a migraine sufferer may sometimes have pain brought on by neck strain, much as it can be brought on by migraine triggers such as glares or fumes. One important cervicogenic trigger is prolonged awkward posture, such as sitting too close to the screen in a movie theater or talking to a dinner partner who is seated next to you, requiring you to keep your head slightly turned. Another common source of cervicogenic headaches is trauma such as whiplash. Neck trauma can overstretch muscles and create stiffness and pain in the joints of the spine.
What Are Some Treatments?
What is the best natural method to get rid of headaches? The most common cures for migraine and tension headaches often involve over the counter medications and or rest. The most common type of headache is the cervicogenic headache and the best natural method to get rid of those headaches is through physical therapy.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy is a great way to naturally get rid of and prevent headaches. Physical therapy deals with the muscles, joints, nerves, and other tissues of the body and it can be helpful in the treatment of headaches. Headaches are a common problem that physical therapists treat and they are often successful at reducing pain and preventing future headaches. Once a headache trigger is identified, the focused treatment can begin. It is crucial to find a physical therapist who is experienced in manual therapy (hands-on treatment) and in the evaluation and treatment of headaches. Not all physical therapists are specialized in this area. Likewise, physical therapy treatments should be highly individualized. The therapist should identify all triggers for the headache, and treat the specific joints or tissues with treatments aimed at loosening tight muscles and mobilizing joints. Headache sufferers can also learn specific exercises that they can use to prevent future headaches or to reduce their pain when they have a headache.
If headaches are a problem you have, ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you. If you live in the San Antonio area and headaches are a problem for you, ask your doctor to send you to see one of the expertly trained therapists at Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab. We pride ourselves on being the best and would love to help you get rid of your headaches!
