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What are you going to to do for my headaches?
How long is this going to take?
These are questions that I am sure you have as it relates to a Physical Therapy treatment program. I would like to give you an overview of how we treat patients with cervicogenic headaches (headaches that come from your neck). The following outlines the key components to our approach:
Joint Mobility: The joints in the upper part of your neck are the key segments that need to be addressed to assure normal mobility. This is accomplished through gentle mobilizations (not manipulation). Mobilizations are painfree techniques that promote joint mobility. The thoracic spine is also addressed because restrictions in this area of the spine can be contributory to the overall problem causing your headache.
Soft Tissue Massage: The muscles at the base of the skull, your upper trapezius and cervical paraspinals are some of the key muscles to be treated. A variety of soft tissue mobilization techniques are used to reduce muscle tone and improve flexibility.
Muscle Endurance and Strength: This is a very important aspect of our treatment protocol. The neck joints are dependant on the support of muscles and if the muscles are fatigued and weak, the spine loses it dynamic support. The ligaments, joint capsules and joint surfaces undergo excessive compression that results in the sensation of pain in the neck and head. Specific exercise and postural/ergonomic training are provided to address these issues.
Education: We focus on educating you on how to control and self-manage the mechanical aspects of your headaches.
The average length of time to complete your treatment program is 3–6 weeks with an average number of 6–8 visits. At the end of this period we would expect a significant reduction in the frequency, intensity and duration of your headaches. If we are not getting the results we expect we will refer you back to your physician with a report on our findings and recommendations.
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
The following are some of the common signs and symptoms that may indicate your headaches are coming from your neck.
- Neck movement or sustained postures produce your headache like sitting at your computer or driving
- Restricted range of motion in your neck
- Neck, shoulder or arm pain on the same side that your headache is on.
- Mod to severe, non-throbbing and non-lancinating pain
- Pain starts in the neck and spreads to the head
- Episodes of varying duration (a very irregular pattern) you may not be able to identify what brings it on and what makes it better
- Non-responsive to medical intervention that includes migraine medications
If you have some or all of the above signs and symptoms your headaches may have a neck component that can be successfully treated with physical therapy. If you would like to be evaluated by one of our physical therapists you will need to get a referral from your physician.
If you have any further questions about your specific situation or have other questions feel free to e-mail me.
Yours in good health,
Frank Gargano PT, OCS, MCTA
Click here to make an appointment at Rehabilitex.