Headache Treatment Oakville:
At our Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic we treat hundreds of patients with a wide range of different types of headaches. However, the two most common headaches we see are tension headaches and migraines. Typically, these headaches are cervicogenic in nature, meaning they are coming from in around the neck area. At our Physiotherapy Clinic we see individuals experiencing headaches in all ages and types of people. Whether the headache is coming from your neck, a concussion, bad posture, or even too much computer time, our Oakville Physiotherapists have the treatment you need!
Different Types of Headaches:
1. Text Neck Headaches
With our society’s increased use of electronics, there has also been an increase in complaints of headaches. Our Physiotherapist, Vinaya, and Chiropractor, Dr. Jenn, are not even sure what a proper diagnosis for these headaches are yet. With what is expected to be associated with our electronic use, our physio team are seeing a huge increase in malformations of the spine and the surrounding musculature which is possibly the underlying cause of these chronic headaches.
A large demographic we are seeing these headaches in is the younger population, even kids who are just 4 years old! 10 years ago our Oakville Clinic would get 1 child with chronic headaches a month, now our Physio team is seeing multiple cases a week. Dr. Jenn says it’s safe to say that since COVID, our children have increased their screen time, which is consequentially causing their spine and posture to suffer!
Kids and adults are spending numerous hours a day looking down at their phones and tablets, which is causing catastrophic changes to their spine. These changes affect overall muscle tension and are one of the main causes of headaches.
2. Migraine Headaches and Physiotherapy
Migraine headaches are one of the most severe headaches we see at our Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic. Individuals who are experiencing migraine headaches encounter a throbbing pain that is usually isolated to one side of the head. Typically, people who have migraine headaches also have light and sound sensitivity, which seems to make the pain worse.
3. Tension Headaches
Tension Headaches are the most common headaches people experience. And yet, here at our Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic, we find that they are ignored most often! We constantly hear people saying that they think they just have to live with the pain since there are no permanent solutions. Well, our Oakville Physiotherapists have some good news for you! They can be treated and you don’t have to live a life with nagging pain!
Tension headaches are typically caused by tense or strained suboccipital muscles. These muscles are found under the back of the skull, and when tense, can cause pain almost anywhere in the head or neck. The most common places suboccipital muscles refer pain is to the temple, side of the head, forehead, or behind the ears. The suboccipital muscles are very important to us!
They are what keep the head balanced on top of the spine and attached to the body. It’s no wonder they get tense with everyday activity and work routines! Symptoms of tension headaches are head and neck pain, light-headedness, and nausea.
How can Physiotherapy Help Headaches?
No matter the headache, physiotherapy can help. Physiotherapy treatment is typically delivered using numerous treatment modalities including active release therapy, massage therapy, shockwave, IFC, strengthening exercises, and stretches.
Massage therapy that is focused the suboccipital muscles and surrounding muscles is one of the most raved about treatments. This treatment not only relieves the headaches but also helps eliminate the other symptoms that may come with headaches. These annoying pains can easily be treated through active release therapy by focusing on the trigger points in your neck that are likely causing the headaches to occur
Oakville Headache Treatment
Once a proper diagnosis of cervicogenic headache is given treatment will begin. Vinaya will recommend some at home exercises and posture modification and the treatment for the headaches will consist of:
- Interferential Current Treatment – Electric stimulation will be applied to the upper back and neck. This will feel like a deep massage and be combines with some moist heat. This will relax the muscles and get blood flow to the area.
- Shockwave therapy will be performed on the tight neck muscles, upper back and spine. Shockwave is a pneumatic gun that helps heal tissue fast than anything else out there.
- Deep Tissue Work and Mobilizations of the cervical spine – Active release therapy and trigger point therapy will be performed around the neck and upper back.
At Home Care For Tension Headaches: Our Oakville Physiotherapist
- Give your head a break: The majority of people work at a desk. Poor desk posture can cause neck tension, headaches and eye fatigue. Oftentimes, you won’t even realize it until its To release the tension that arises from working at a desk, rest your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and take a screen break from your computer for at least 5 minutes every hour. For more desk tips check out Dr. Steve’s posture tips on our ‘Posture at the Computer’ page.
- Give yourself a mini massage: To relieve the tension headache try giving yourself a mini massage! Use your hands to focus on massaging behind your ears and at the top of your spine (right under your skull) to release the strain in your suboccipital muscles. Push your fingers up under the skull and look down (bring your chin to your chest) to help alleviate suboccipital muscle tension.
- Apply cold and heat: This is how we treat all other sore muscles and it’s no different for tension headaches! The cold will help with inflamed muscles and the heat will help relax the knotted muscles.
- Stretch: To keep neck muscles relaxed throughout daily activities it’s important to do regular neck stretches specifically to loosen the suboccipital muscles. Check out our stretches and strength exercises page for suggestions.