Headaches
Headaches
Headaches are very common and the majority of the population will experience these at some point in their life. In most cases, this is nothing serious and will usually settle. There are a variety of causes for headaches. The musculoskeletal system can also cause headaches.
People may describe pain anywhere over their head. This may/ may not be associated with neck pain and stiffness. Sometimes however, symptoms such as tingling or numbness may be felt and this can be a sign that a nerve is being irritated. We would recommend seeking an appointment sooner if this is the case, so that checks can be carried out on how the nerves are working. Mode Physiotherapy can carry out appropriate assessment to help diagnose your problem.
For more information about musculoskeletal headaches, click on the sections below.
Important symptoms to monitor
If you notice any of the below symptoms, you must seek medical attention urgently
- Extremely intense headache of explosive onset.
- Headache with flashes of vision lasting more than 1 hour.
- Headache associated with muscle weakness
- Headache associated with change in posture i.e. bending or coughing
- Headache associated with redness in both/ one eye.
- Headaches causing you to wake from your sleep
- Progressive headache worsening over weeks or longer.
Do I need a scan?
Are there things I should avoid?
You do need to listen to your symptoms and adjust your activities accordingly. Monitor for any changes to your symptoms alongside general health changes which may require more urgent medical assessment. There is usually nothing that you should avoid.
It is important to keep moving as much as possible. There may be some activities that are painful, but this doesnt mean that is it causing you any damage. One of our physiotherapists will be able to work with you to get you back doing the activities you enjoy.
Should I take pain relief?
It is important to discuss pain relief with your local pharmacist or GP. If your pain levels are better controlled, this will enable you to keep more active and by keeping active it will help to maintain your strength and movement. This approach could lead to a quicker recovery.
Mode Physiotherapy will be able to advise if you need to discuss pain relief with your GP or Pharmacist.
How can Mode Physiotherapy help with my headaches?
At Mode Physiotherapy we have extensive experience in managing Musculoskeletal causes of headaches such as:
Joint related neck pain causing headaches
Muscle strains causing headaches
Whiplash causes of headaches
Mode Physiotherapy will be able to help diagnose the cause of potential musculoskeletal headaches as well as provide advice and guidance on ways to manage it. Often this will include a combination of hands on treatment and a tailored rehabilitation programme.
