Headache disorders are common in today’s society amongst communities all around the world. It is one of the most common disorders and the nervous system.
According to the World Health Organisation it is estimated that 47% of the adult population have had a headache in the last year. Headache disorders are a burden on society in regards to pain, disability, quality of life and financial costs.
Only a small amount of headaches are correctly diagnosed or present to an appropriate clinician. The effects of headaches around the world has been under-recognised, underestimated and undertreated worldwide.
Different types of headaches:
Cervicogenic Headaches: Headache arising from the neck. Often associated with neck pain, sustained postures and neck movements. These headaches are usually mechanical in nature. Up to 2.5% of the population will suffer from cervicogenic headaches, although figures can increase to 20% in pain management clinics.
Migraines: Headache lasting 4-72 hours. Has pulsating qualities, unilateral and severe in nature. May be associated with aura, including blind spots, blurred vision and neural signs. 10% of reported headaches are migraines. Women are more prone to Migraines than men and usually occur from 35-45 years old.
Cluster Headaches: Headache that’s involves unilateral attacks of severe pain which is orbital, suborbital, temporal or any combination of the above. 1 in every 1000 people will suffer cluster headaches at a rate of 6 men to 1 women. Normal presentation is from 20 years old and above.
Tension Headaches: Headache of infrequent episodes. The headache occurs bilaterally and is pressing in nature. Tension headaches have a moderate intensity and don’t change during routine physical activity. Episodic tension headaches have been reported by up to 70% of the population in certain communities. Chronic tension headaches affect 1-3 % of the population.
What causes headaches?
Headaches can occur due to a variety of reasons including stress, poor posture, physical trauma, medications, environmental factors such as strong odours and pollution, and dietary irregularities.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked cause of migraine and tension headaches is due to nerve irritation in the upper neck caused by poorly functioning spinal joints – Vertebral dysfunction. Since the nerves of the upper neck supply areas of the scalp and face, irritation to these nerves can, and often, lead to headache.
Treatment for headaches
Physiotherapy and Chiropractic care are both extremely effective treatment for headaches. By carefully restoring proper movement to the spinal joints of the neck, your physiotherapist or chiropractor is able to significantly reduce the presence of nerve irritation and muscle tension, helping to alleviate the cause of your headaches.
BOOK ONLINE or CONTACT US on 4740 4516 for your appointment at The Physio Movement, Townsville.
