Headache Treatment Rigby

Throughout your life, there are times that you are going to deal with unexpected circumstances or things in your life that are less than ideal. Life is already stressful enough with all of the things that you have to worry about, but when your health affects your life, it can make it that much harder. Your body and health are what gets you through each day and allows you to live your life. It becomes especially difficult to live your life fully if you are having consistent and regular headaches throughout your days. Headaches are out of your control but can seriously affect your life. At Pick PT in Rigby, we know that headaches may seem like a small problem to others but for those that are going through it, it is no small problem. Our team is here to help you find the root of the problem and see how we can get your headaches to decrease in occurrence. We want you to feel in control of your health again and get back to focusing on all the other aspects of your life!

What is a Headache?

There is a high chance that at some point you have experienced a headache whether you know it or not. A headache is a common, and often uncomfortable, condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head or upper neck area. Headaches can vary in intensity, duration, and location, and they may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and fatigue. 

Different Types of Headaches

There are several different types of headaches, each with its own characteristics, causes, and symptoms. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of headaches:

• Tension Headaches: The most common type, often described as a dull, aching pain, typically affecting both sides of the head.
• Migraines: Severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Cluster Headaches: Excruciatingly painful headaches that occur in clusters, with frequent attacks for weeks or months.
• Sinus Headaches: Pain in the forehead, cheeks, or bridge of the nose, often associated with sinus congestion or infection.
• Hormonal Headaches: Headaches that are often linked to hormonal changes, such as menstrual migraines.
• Rebound Headaches: Headaches that result from overusing headache medications.
• Chronic Daily Headaches: Headaches that occur on a daily or near-daily basis, including tension-type headaches, migraines, or mixed types.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Pain that originates in the neck and radiates to the head.

This is not a comprehensive list and you may be experiencing different symptoms with another type of headache. The best way to diagnose and receive help for your headaches is by going to see a professional. At Pick PT, we can help you figure out the type of headaches you are experiencing and what we can do to help your body experience them less.

The Steps of Headache Treatment

When you go to a physical therapist for your headache treatment, the first thing that we will do is determine the type of headache you are experiencing with an evaluation. Determining the type of headache you have is vital in determining the type of treatment that will help you get relief in symptoms and hopefully experience them less often overall. We will create a unique treatment plan for your headaches that may contain some or all of the below steps. 

Identification of Underlying Causes

Knowing the type of headache you are experiencing is important but so is identifying the root causes of your headaches. This may involve evaluating your posture, muscle imbalances, joint mobility, and musculoskeletal conditions in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

Manual Techniques

We may use hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and myofascial release, to relieve muscle tension and reduce trigger points that may be contributing to your headaches.

Targeted Exercise Programs

Based on your specific needs and the type of headache you’re experiencing, our physical therapists design personalized exercise programs. These exercises aim to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and correct muscle imbalances. Strengthening the neck, upper back, and shoulder muscles can alleviate strain and reduce headache triggers.

Posture Correction

Poor posture is a common contributor to tension headaches. Our team will guide you on improving posture during daily activities and work to correct any postural issues that may be causing or exacerbating your headaches.

Ergonomic Evaluation

We can assess your work environment and daily activities to identify ergonomic factors that may contribute to your headaches. They may recommend adjustments to your workstation or daily routines to minimize strain on your neck and shoulders.

Stress Management

Stress and tension are often linked to headache development. If needed, we may teach relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and stress management strategies to help you manage and reduce stress, which can alleviate headache frequency and severity.

Education

Our physical therapists will educate you about headache triggers and offer guidance on how to recognize and avoid them in your daily life. This knowledge empowers you to make lifestyle changes that contribute to headache prevention.

Home Exercise Programs

With your treatment plan, we may provide home exercise programs, allowing you to continue the recommended exercises and stretches on your own to maintain the benefits of therapy.

By addressing the musculoskeletal and postural factors that contribute to headaches, Pick PT will help to provide a non-invasive and holistic approach to headache management. We aim to alleviate pain, reduce headache frequency, and improve overall well-being!

Pick PT in Rigby, Idaho 

No matter who you are, headaches are not fun. They can be distracting and disruptive to your day to day life – especially if you are getting them consistently and with intense symptoms. If you live in Rigby, Pick PT can help you get back in control of your life and stop feeling the dread of your next headache just being around the corner. Our physical therapists are educated, and experienced, and care about your overall well-being. Call us with any questions that you may have about what we can do for you. We want to help you focus on the things that matter in your life and get to experience life headache-free!