RECOGNIZING THE CAUSES OF A CLUSTER HEADACHE
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. 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 • Heat or ice compressions • Soft tissue mobilization • Muscular releases • Muscle energy techniques
• Body mobilization • Cervical traction • McKenzie-based therapies • 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.
Contact Choice 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.
PAT IENT SUCCESS STORY
EXERCISE ESSENT IALS
PECTORAL STRETCH - DOORWAY Stand in a doorway wi th your arm up against the frame. Make sure that the wal l protects the front of your shoulder! Slowly turn away - you should feel a stretch in your chest. Return to starting position and repeat 5-7 times. HELPS SHOULDER PAIN
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