Symptoms of Headache.

Common symptoms of a headache include:

• Pain at the back and base of the skull, sometimes extending down to the neck and between the shoulder blades.
• Pain behind the eyebrows and forehead.
• Stiffness in the neck.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Light and sound sensitivity.

Various forms of headaches and their causes. 

Headaches do not appear out of nowhere. Discomfort is usually induced by something in the body, and headaches are no exception. The goal is to figure out why you’re in pain. 

A multitude of things can induce headaches, which might come suddenly or gradually. The severity and nature of your symptoms might range from moderate stiffness to more serious symptoms that can interfere with your professional and personal life.

The first step in classifying a headache is to figure out if it’s main or secondary. A primary headache is one in which the headache is the main symptom and pain is a symptom of the headache. A secondary headache occurs when the pain is a symptom of an underlying issue that must be treated to relieve the discomfort.

Headaches are categorized into three categories below:

Cervicogenic headache.

Pain in the head, jaw, forehead, ears, or back of the eyes is usually related to the top three cervical vertebrae. Patients are often between the ages of 20 and 60, however, it can affect anyone at any age. Manual treatment for headaches is an effective form of physiotherapy. Neck pain and stiffness in the morning, as well as nausea and dizziness, are possible symptoms. Headache sufferers will benefit from manual therapy at the base of their skull and throughout their neck region. 

What causes a cervicogenic headache?

• Unhealthy posture (screentime, slouching,  working at your computer, etc).
• Whiplash.
• Activities that require a lot of lifting.

Tension headaches.

A tension headache affects the entire head and feels like a tight band has been twisted around it. Tension headaches are caused by strained muscles in the head and neck and can continue for hours or even days. The pressure can spread to the back of your neck and generate soreness in the forehead, making them confused for migraines. 

What causes a tension headache? 

• Sickness (cold or flu). 
• Hunger.
• Fatigue. 
• Head trauma. 
• Caffeine withdrawal. 
• Too much time spent staring at a computer. 

Migraine headache.

Migraine pain will only affect one side of your head: the left or right. A migraine rarely wraps around your entire head. This one-sided headache is a disorder that can recur unless it is treated. Throbbing, nausea, noise and light sensitivity, and difficulty focusing are common symptoms. A reduction in serotonin levels is the most common contributing factor to this type of headache.

What causes migraine headaches? 

• Disturbing sounds. 
• Lights that are bright or flashing. 
• Food sensitivities. 
• Weather changes.
• Hormonal changes.
• Not eating enough. 
• Dehydration.

Treatment for headache.

A detailed interview and physical assessment are the first steps in any consultation for patients suffering from headaches, to rule out any causes or types of headache that may not be appropriate for physiotherapy treatment and to establish baseline measurements to track the patient’s progress. Following the evaluation, the patient’s treatment begins, which usually entails using specialized manual therapy techniques to the patient’s cervical spine.

Our physiotherapist determines the cause of your headache discomfort and recommends the best treatment for you. Treatment options will vary depending on your needs and lifestyle, however, they may include: 

• Manipulation and mobilization of the neck’s joints and muscles.
• Manipulation.
• Stretching and strengthening of the muscles in the neck.
• Massage tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
• Ultrasound and electrotherapy.
• Functional and rehabilitative exercises.
• Postural assessment, correction, and advice.

Self-treatment for headache relief.

Here is how to manage headaches on your own:

•  Stay hydrated.
•  Eat wisely.
•  Sleep well.
•  Improve your posture.
•  Regular physical activity.
•  Reduce stress.
• Participate in your favorite hobbies.

You can find us at Brigada VIII street, 1001, Tirana, Albania. If you need further information, advice, or any treatment for your head pain or other conditions, please schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists, call  069 400 30 10, or email at fisiocentertirana1@gmail.com.

We’re here to assist your recovery!