WisePT: Recognizing The Causes Of Headaches

Newsletter by Wise Physical Therapy

N E W S L E T T E R

RECOGNIZING THE CAUSES OF ACLUSTERHEADACHE —ANDHOWTO TREAT IT

OUR SERVICES THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE BALANCE TRAINING POSTURAL RESTORATION GAIT TRAINING JOINT MOBILIZATION MANUAL TRACTION SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION / MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

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N E W S L E T T E R

RECOGNIZING THE CAUSES OF ACLUSTERHEADACHE —ANDHOWTO TREAT IT INSIDE : • What Causes A Cluster Headache? • Patient Success Spotlight • Relieve Pain In Minutes • Minted Couscous Salad

Any type of pain that occurs within the head can be referred to as a “headache.” Most headaches will resolve on their own without medical intervention; however, severe or recurrent headaches that interfere with one’s quality of life should most certainly be evaluated further. The challenge lies in identifying which type of headache you’re experiencing and then devising a treatment plan accordingly. Cluster headaches are a specific type of chronic headache. Also known as Horton’s syndrome, cluster headaches are short-lived but painful headaches that occur every day for weeks or even months at a time. They occur in patterns or “clusters,” and they may even happen at the same time every year, such as in the spring or fall. Most cluster attacks occur at night; however, it

is possible for them to occur at any point during the day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day. The pain you feel from cluster headaches is defined as chronic, due to the nature of the ongoing clusters. If you are suffering from chronic headaches, it is important to realize that you are not alone. In fact, according to the International Headache Society, headaches are the third most common pain complaint across the world. If you’ve been living with nagging headaches that seem to come and go at different times, you may be experiencing cluster headaches. Contact Wise Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists and figure out exactly what type of headache is plaguing you.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY GET RID OF YOUR ACHES AND PAINS!

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What Causes A Cluster Headache?

While some headaches have specific triggers, such as hormonal changes, stress, or tension, cluster headaches typically do not. While the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, many medical professionals believe that they are associated with the hypothalamus. Some factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing cluster headaches include: • Age. Most people who develop cluster headaches are between 20-50 years old. • Sex. Males are more likely to develop cluster headaches than females. • Smoking. A large number of people who experience cluster headaches are smokers. • Alcohol. Alcohol use can aggravate or even trigger a cluster attack. • Family history. Those who have family members with cluster headaches are more likely to develop them themselves. How can physical therapy help relieve my cluster headaches? Physical therapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache - most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physical therapy will. Some common physical therapy treatments for headache relief includes: • Trigger point therapy

• Strengthening •Stretching

Since there are some environmental factors associated with cluster headaches, your physical therapist may also suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent the headaches from occurring. This may include increasing exercise or cutting out alcohol and/or cigarettes. Your physical therapist can also provide you with stress relief exercises to try and avoid stressful situations that may cause your cluster headaches, or the adoption of additional healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule or implementing a more nutritious diet. We can help get to the root of your problem and figure out what factors are causing your cluster headaches so we can treat them accordingly. If you have been dealing with persistent, ongoing headaches that you believe may be cluster headaches, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We will help you figure out the cause of your headaches and provide an effective, safe, and natural treatment plan for eliminating them!

• Heat or ice compressions • Soft tissue mobilization • Muscular releases • Muscle energy techniques • Body mobilization • Cervical traction • McKenzie-based therapies

Call us today to schedule an appointment (907) 562-2118.

Minted Couscous Salad

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup dry couscous • 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers • 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice from 1/2 lemon • 1 tomato, seeded and diced • 1 English cucumber, diced • 1/2 cup mint (or flat-leaf parsley) • Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS Cook the couscous according to package directions. Fluff with fork. Meanwhile, dice roasted red peppers and add diced tomato and cucumber to a bowl. Add lemon juice and olive oil and stir to combine. Finely chopmint (or parsley) and add to bowl, along with the cooked couscous, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

CALL US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT (907) 562-2118

Who Do You Know That Needs Our Help?

Patient Success Spotlight

Do You Have Friends Or Family That Can’t:

� Move without pain � Bend and move freely � Balance confidently & securely

� Sit for long periods � Walk for long distances � Live active and healthy

Name: Refered by:

“He has assisted me with both short term problems and lingering challenges.” “I admire Bill’s adeptness with various types of therapy. He seems to have an intuitive sense of what will work and encourages his clients to participate actively in their own healing process. He has assisted me with both short term problems and lingering challenges from past injuries — all with positive results!” - S.B. DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING Lie on your back with your knees bent. Breathe deep, from the belly. Repeat 10 times. Helps relax your whole body. www.simpleset.net Relieve Pain In Minutes Try this movement to find relief from daily aches and pains.

Call (907) 562-2118 Today! A free gift card for every person you refer to Wise Physical Therapy who becomes a patient!

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