It’s safe to say that we have probably all experienced a headache and know the discomfort and hassle they can bring. From mild to severe, from short-lived to hanging around for far too long, headaches can be a source of frustration, distress, and reduced functionality.
The upside to headaches is that many types can be prevented or managed to reduce the effect they have on your life. Taking steps to avoid or decrease the pain can be undertaken and, in many cases, there is the potential for better outcomes. It comes down to understanding possible underlying factors and triggers, and how you can utilise this knowledge to say goodbye (or at least, see you later) to headaches.
Headaches are one of the most common reasons that people experience pain, but why do they occur? Learn more about the causes behind headaches and how physio headache treatment in Adelaide with Core Physio & Pilates may help.
What Are Headaches?
Headaches involve discomfort that affects any location within the head, sometimes radiating to the face, jaw, or neck. Pain may be described as dull, aching, throbbing, burning, stabbing, and/or constant.
Headaches are generally categorised into two types: primary and secondary. Some headaches that do not fit into these two categories are due to nerve pain, facial pain, or neuropathy.
Primary headaches include tension headaches, cluster headaches, migraines, and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. This type occurs independently of other conditions. Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are a symptom of another issue that is impacting the brain or nerves within the head.
3 Causes of Primary Headaches
Primary headaches are a result of issues with the pain-sensitive components within and/or around the head, or overactivity. This may involve issues related to muscles, blood vessels, and/or nerves. These types of headaches often develop due to certain triggers. The most common of these include:
1. Food and Drinks
There are certain foods and drinks that may cause headaches for some people. These often contain substances such as sulphites, aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or histamines. Very cold foods may also cause headaches.
Examples of foods and drinks that may cause headaches for some people include:
- Aged cheese
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Processed meats
- Artificial sweeteners
- Fermented foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Soy sauce
2.Environmental Factors
Many triggers within your surroundings may result in headaches. Some examples of these include:
- Bright lights
- Strong smells
- Cigarette smoke
- Loud noises
3. Lifestyle
Various aspects of daily life may lead to headaches. These can include factors such as:
- Increased stress
- Changes to sleeping habits
- Poor posture
- Skipping meals and water intake
- Staring at screens
- Exercise
- Getting hot
- Straining
3 Causes of Secondary Headaches
Rather than being the central problem, secondary headaches are a symptom. This means there is another issue involved within the body. These are often due to health conditions, injuries, or body function factors.
1. Health Conditions
Many medical issues can lead to an aching head. Examples of conditions that may cause secondary headaches include:
- Meningitis
- Seizures
- Infections (such as sinus, middle ear, or tooth infections)
- High blood pressure
- Aneurysms
- Glaucoma
- Stroke
2. Injuries
Examples of injuries that may lead to headaches include:
- Trauma to the head, jaw, or face
- Whiplash
- Dental damage
3. Body Function Factors
There’s a range of changes within the body that may result in secondary headaches. Examples of these include factors such as:
- Substance withdrawal
- Dehydration
- Hormonal changes
- Side effects from certain medications
- Eye strain
Physio Treatment for Headaches
Your physio will undertake a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers, as well as a physical examination, to identify any underlying factors that may be the cause of your headaches. They will then develop a personalised treatment plan to target your requirements and work towards a better quality of life.
Your treatment plan may include one or more physiotherapy treatment options depending on your needs, such as:
- Manual therapy (including soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, or mobilisation)
- Ultrasound therapy
- Dry needling
- Prescription of stretches and/or strengthening exercises
- Concussion management
- Lifestyle modification guidance
- Education
Headache Support at Core Physio & Pilates
Headaches can significantly impact your life. They may cause you to miss out on activities you love to do, decrease your productivity, impact your mood and quality of life, and lead to other issues such as loss of sleep.
If you are experiencing headaches, one of our experienced and highly qualified physiotherapists may be able to help. Please contact our friendly team to organise your initial consultation and come see a physio in Adelaide. We look forward to supporting you towards better outcomes so that you can get the most out of each day as possible.
