If you experience regular headaches or migraines, you may also notice neck pain, stiffness or reduced neck movement.
There are many different types of headache, and identifying what may be contributing to your symptoms is an important part of determining the right management. Migraine is a neurological headache disorder, while some headaches, known as cervicogenic headaches, originate from structures in the neck.
At Hartwell Physiotherapy in Camberwell, our Physios can assess your headache symptoms, neck and jaw to determine whether there is a musculoskeletal component that may be contributing to your symptoms and whether physiotherapy may be appropriate.
Physiotherapy may be helpful when your headache is associated with a problem involving the neck or jaw.
Neck pain and stiffness are also commonly reported by people with migraine. Having neck pain with a migraine doesn’t necessarily mean that the neck is causing the migraine, but in some people there may also be a musculoskeletal component that can be addressed with physiotherapy.
An assessment can help determine whether your neck or jaw may be contributing to your symptoms and whether physiotherapy is appropriate.
Migraine and cervicogenic headache are different conditions, but some of their symptoms can overlap.
Migraine is a neurological headache disorder. Symptoms can include moderate to severe headache, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also experience visual or sensory symptoms, and neck pain or stiffness can occur alongside migraine.
Cervicogenic headache originates from structures in the neck. It may be associated with reduced neck movement, neck pain or stiffness and headache that is aggravated or reproduced by particular neck movements or positions. Pain can start around the upper neck or base of the skull and travel towards the front or side of the head.
Because symptoms can overlap, having neck pain with a headache doesn’t necessarily mean that your neck is causing it. A thorough assessment can help determine whether the neck may be contributing to your symptoms.
Learn more about Cervicogenic Headaches and Physio →
Your Physio will start by taking a detailed history of your headaches, including your symptoms, triggers and any associated neck or jaw problems.
Depending on your presentation, your assessment may include:
- Neck range of movement
- Upper cervical spine movement
- Whether neck movements or positions reproduce your familiar headache
- Neck muscle strength and endurance
- Jaw movement and function where relevant
- Posture, work and activities that may be contributing to your symptoms
An important part of the assessment is also identifying when your symptoms may not be musculoskeletal and when further medical assessment is appropriate.
If your assessment suggests that your neck is contributing to your headaches, treatment will depend on your individual findings.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy to improve neck movement
- Specific exercises for neck strength, control and endurance
- Advice about movements, positions or activities that aggravate your symptoms
- Workstation and ergonomic advice where appropriate
- A home exercise program to help you manage your symptoms independently
The aim is not simply to provide temporary relief, but to identify factors that may be contributing to your headaches and give you practical strategies to manage them.
The jaw can also contribute to some headache and facial pain presentations.
Problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles may be associated with jaw pain or stiffness, pain with chewing, facial pain and headache.
If your headaches occur alongside jaw symptoms, your Physio can assess whether the jaw may be contributing.
Learn more about TMJ and Jaw Pain Physio →
Headaches have many possible causes and physiotherapy isn’t appropriate for every headache.
Seek medical assessment for a new or significantly different headache, particularly if it is sudden or severe, or accompanied by symptoms such as neurological changes, fever, significant illness or recent trauma.
If we identify anything during your assessment that requires further investigation, we will recommend appropriate medical assessment.
If you experience headaches or migraines alongside neck pain, neck stiffness or jaw symptoms, a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether there is a musculoskeletal component that may be contributing.
Hartwell Physiotherapy provides headache, neck and jaw physiotherapy from our Camberwell clinic, conveniently located for clients from Camberwell, Glen Iris, Hawthorn East and surrounding areas.
Not sure whether Physio is appropriate for your headaches?
Book an appointment online or call our team on 9889 3903.
