Why Those Headaches Keep Coming Back

Headaches are among the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting around three out of four Australians at some point each year.

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They can range from an occasional nuisance to a daily struggle, interfering with work, sleep, exercise, and even mood. Yet many people reach for painkillers without examining the cause of their headaches or taking steps to address the underlying issues.

Understanding Headaches

Just as shoulder or hip pain can have many different causes, “headaches” are not a single entity, and treatment needs to be tailored. Dehydration, illness, high blood pressure, or hormonal changes can all provoke headaches, as can lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, stress, caffeine and alcohol use. In rare cases, underlying medical conditions may be to blame, so it’s vital to speak with your doctor if your headaches are sudden, severe, or accompanied by other notable symptoms, such as vision changes, confusion, or weakness.

However, the vast majority of headaches are thought to be musculoskeletal in origin, including:

• Tension-type headaches - These feel like a tight band around the head and are linked to muscle tightness, stress, and poor posture.

• Cervicogenic headaches - These originate in the neck and are usually felt more on one side of the head, often accompanied by neck stiffness or pain.

• Jaw-related headaches - These stem from clenching, grinding, or jaw joint dysfunction.

Identifying the Root Cause

Since most headaches are caused or worsened by muscle tension, stiff joints, or poor alignment, physiotherapists are ideally placed to help, and treatment can be extremely effective.

The first step is a proper assessment, which should focus on identifying the structures that are contributing to your headache. Your physiotherapist will examine your neck, upper back, shoulders, and jaw, looking at movement, muscle tension, posture, and even breathing patterns. In many cases, specific techniques can be used to gently provoke your usual headache in a controlled way, which helps confirm the areas involved.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Treatment typically includes hands-on mobilisation techniques to improve the movement of stiff neck or jaw joints, release tight muscles, and ease tension. These alone can be remarkably effective for most headaches. Exercises are also prescribed to build endurance and control in the neck and shoulder muscles, helping to maintain appropriate posture and normal function.

Because many headaches are linked to how you sit, stand, and sleep, your physiotherapist can also teach you how to adjust your workstation, sleep positions, and daily habits to reduce strain. If stress or clenching your jaw is contributing, they can guide you through relaxation techniques and specific exercises to calm the overactive muscles.

Beyond relieving pain, quality physiotherapy will also focus on preventing future headaches by strengthening weak areas, improving movement patterns, and teaching self management strategies you can use if symptoms develop.

Summing Up

If headaches are interfering with your life, you don’t need to put up with them or rely on endless painkillers. A skilled physiotherapist can help you uncover what’s driving your headaches, treat the underlying issues, and equip you with the tools to keep them from returning.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised care.

For all your health and rehabilitation needs, check out Peak Physio in Newcastle, Rutherford and Budgewoi