Headaches has been a worldwide problem that impacted people regardless of their age, culture and economic status. According to WHO, 50% of adults between the age of 18-65 has been suffering from headache. (1) More than 90% of the population across the globe experience headache at least once in a lifetime. Those who suffer from headaches revealed a reduction in quality of life along with increase dependency on people around them.
Here are 3 variations of headaches
1. Tension-type headache
Ø Bilateral pressing or tightening, non-pulsating headache
Ø mild-moderate intensity pain without vomiting or nausea
Ø Not aggravated by routine physical activity
2. Cervicogenic headaches
Ø Unilateral pain originates from the neck
Ø Headache start after neck motion
Ø Reduced neck range of motion
3. Migraine Headache
Ø Severe throbbing headache
Ø Associated with nausea, vomiting and photophobia
Aggravated by routine physical activity
Headaches can be due to factors such as:
- Dehydration
- Menstruation
- Menopause
- Irregular sleep
- Irregular meals
- Lack of exercises
- …etc
MOST COMMON SOLUTION FOR HEADACHES (2,3)
- over the counter analgesics
- Aspirin
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- …etc
“I’M TIRED OF TAKING ALL THIS MEDICATIONS, IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY THAT CAN HELP?”
“WHY NOT SEEK HELP FROM A CHIROPRACTOR OR PHYSICAL THERAPIST?”
Ø SOFT TISSUES TECHNIQUES
Research done in 2019 showed patients with migraine who received soft tissue techniques (STTs) performed by physical therapist has reduce frequency of both migraine and its associated disabilities. (4)
Ø DRY NEEDLING THECHNIQUES
Dry needling technique has been popular for the past decade. This technique was practiced by health care professionals such as physical therapist and chiropractors. (6) A systematic review reported that dry needling showed similar effectiveness when compared to other intervention in treating headaches and was associated with improvement in both sensory and functional outcomes. (7)
Ø LASER THERAPY
Recent systemic review showed the effectiveness of Laser therapy in the treatment of headaches. Various studies showed that Laser not only help in reducing the pain and frequency of headache but also relaxation of muscles and also regeneration of cells. (8)
Headache is one of the common cause of disability and affect out daily activity significantly. Headache can be treated without medication. Seek your nearest chiropractic and physiotherapy center for your headache solution!
Reference
Jane Leong
Physiotherapist
Certified Dry Needling Practitioner
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