Headaches ? It may be in your neck – 5 steps to treat neck pain/headaches

 

  1. Realise: when am I experiencing a neck related headache or another type of headache?

Headaches come in many forms. Nausea, vomiting, numbness of the face, neck or arms, dizziness, speech or swallowing difficulties, visual disturbances, and episodes of fainting are indicators of a more severe headache. Medical attention is appropriate for some forms of severe or rapidly worsening headache. Seek out a professional opinion if in any doubt.

A neck related headache will always show one or more of the following symptoms

  • tenderness at the top of their neck and base of the skull
  • neck pain and headache usually on one side of your body
  • neck stiffness or movement restriction of your neck
  • aches or pain that radiate from the back to the front of your head
  • symptoms that are provoked or eased by a neck movement or a sustained posture or position

2. Identify: what causes my neck pain and headache?

Neck pain as a cause of headache always has some key activities or positions that drive your symptoms – these include

  • Poor posture giving you stiff upper neck joints and neck muscles – especially if you sit at a computer a lot
  • Lack of activity – too much sitting in front of the TV (see the sitting disease)
  • repeat positioning putting too much pressure on your neck (lifting incorrectly etc)
  • occupational tasks related to your work

 3. Initiate: treatment for your headaches and neck pain

A good program will address

  • your symptoms by addressing the structures responsible, for example: ‘loosening’ stiff neck joints 
  • the muscles that are working ‘too much’ or ‘too little’
  • your postural habits and give you better ideas
  • the idea of you becoming more active and less sedentary which almost goes hand in hand with headaches
  • your knowledge of the condition 

   4. Compliance: To your program 

To get rid of pain you have to be compliant to your recommended plan. We always set a plan for treatment with your goals in mind. If you are not compliant with this plan then your outcome will be affected and you risk recurrence.

   5. Prevent: I’m feeling better now, how do I avoid a repeat?

Comprehensive and long term planning will reduce the chance of a repeat condition. When you 

  • are symptom free
  • have addressed all the contributors to your condition
  • understand the nature and underlying cause of your neck pain and headaches

You should be left with an ongoing plan to avoid recurrence. This should involve

  • advice
  • exercises
  • possible check ups

Call us for more info on 55787155 or feel free to email on admin@physiologic.com.au