Tension Headaches/Migraines Treatment

A tension headache is considered a muscle contraction type headache, whereas a migraine is considered more of a sudden neurological disorder with many signs and symptoms. Migraines can be of primary origin or a secondary condition that results in a migraine.

Tension headaches are caused by muscular tension and can often be successfully treated relatively quickly if there are no other underlying causes. Tension headaches are the most common headaches in adults and often are considered stress headaches. Tension headaches can be described as mild to moderate pain often around the forehead or back of the neck and head. It is estimated that 30-80% of U.S. adults have suffered from an occasional tension headache.

Causes of Tension Headaches

• Inadequate rest
• Poor posture
• Stress either mental or emotional including depression
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Overexertion

Treatment for Tension Headaches

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Reduce muscle tension to reduce pain
• Treatment of tension headaches can be successfully treated with physiotherapy, massage therapy and acupuncture

Signs and Symptoms of Migraines

• A day or two before an onset of migraine you may feel depressed or cranky
• Can be very happy, awake and full of energy
• Restless or nervous
• Sleepy thirsty or hungry and you may crave certain foods. You may also feel like not eating
• One out of five people have a warning sign of a migraine called an ‘aura’ which usually starts about 30 minutes before the headache starts
• During an aura you may see spots, wavy or flashing lights. You may have numbness or pins and needles in your hands arms or face

Causes of Migraines

• Can be a genetic condition
• Often migraines causes are an unknown central nervous system disorder

Trigger factors for Migraines

• Stress
• Certain foods and additives such as chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, pickles, onion, red wine, monosodium glutamate and aspartame
• Hunger from skipping meals
• Some medications and oral contraceptives
• Weather changes can trigger migraines especially pressure changes
• Visual stimulus such as sunlight, bright lights, and computer screens
• Loud music
• Perfumes, colognes and aftershave lotions as well as cigarette smoke, paint and gasoline can trigger migraines
• Hormonal shifts
• Allergies to foods such as eggs, wheat, milk and meat

Treatment of Migraines

• Managing pain and discomfort
• Reducing signs and symptoms of migraines
• Reducing muscle spasm that can contribute to increased symptoms of migraines
• Signs and symptoms of migraines can be reduced with physiotherapy, massage therapy and acupuncture

If you have any questions about tension headaches/migraines please contact our staff at Dynamic Physiotherapy.