A Holistic Approach to Headaches and Migraines
Understanding headaches and migraines and why a holistic approach works
Nearly every person experiences a headache at least once in their lifetime. Headaches are much more common than migraines and can affect anyone, while migraines can be severe and often have an underlying cause. Both headaches and migraines can be persistent, chronic, or appear occasionally. However, no matter how painful, headaches and migraines can be draining and exhausting.
Fortunately, our holistic therapists at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness treat patients by seeing them as whole people, assessing their condition, and discovering the root of their pain. Our patient-centered methods resolve symptoms by looking at the entire body, identifying the source of your headaches, and assisting you in obtaining long-lasting relief!
What sets migraines apart from headaches?
A migraine is a specific type of headache that typically manifests as throbbing and pulsating pain. One side of the head hurts more often than the other in migraine sufferers, who may also have persistent nausea and vomiting. It’s important to obtain treatment for a migraine condition if you’re experiencing symptoms because “migraine episodes” might last for days.
Other types of headaches include:
- Tension (caused by stress, sleep disorders, or bad posture)
- Hypnic (headache syndrome that occurs during sleep)
- Cluster (Headaches that occur in patterns, typically lasting weeks or months)
- Cervicogenic or neck muscle-related.
- Secondary headaches from an underlying condition, such as:
- Fever
- Infectious disease
- Sinus disorder
- In rare cases, a tumor or more serious illness
- Unspecified headaches.
There are two categories for headaches: primary and secondary. Another condition brings on a secondary headache. Primary headaches are brought on by overactive or dysfunctional pain-sensitive brain tissue but are not usually signs of a severe illness.
What triggers migraines and headaches?
Headaches and migraines are frequently experienced by those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion. When a headache or migraine arises, spasms of the arteries at the base of the neck or scalp lead to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The severity of these conditions varies greatly depending on the individual and the source of their discomfort. However, migraines’ origins are only sometimes known.
Things that may trigger or worsen symptoms include:
- Hormonal changes in women
- Alcoholic beverages, especially beer, brown liquor, and ciders
- Excess caffeine consumption
- Reaction to certain medications
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Intense physical exertion
- Sleep disorders or lack of sleep for an extended period
How our holistic approach helps
Many people aren’t aware that physical therapy is an effective treatment for headaches and migraines. This may be partially a result of a lack of understanding of what biological treatment can entail and reliance on painkillers.
Many therapists focus solely on the site of the injury, which is sufficient for some patients and conditions. But even with the standard treatment plan of medications, heat, and ice, physical therapy, some patients have trouble recovering. A holistic approach to healing may be helpful for patients who are having difficulty recovering or who discover that a recurring injury isn’t responding well to physical treatment. Traditional methods of injury recovery are used in a holistic approach together with other approaches like massage, nutrition, chiropractic adjustments, and regimented exercise.
What to expect during treatment
A physical therapist’s treatment program should include:
Manual treatment
- Reduces stiffness in the muscles and joints
- Increases neck and head mobility
- Alleviates tension and spasms in the muscles
- Certain types of headaches can also be treated with dry needling by some physical therapists
Exercise Studies have indicated that a range of workouts can:
- Lessens the pain
- Boosts your endurance
- Minimizes inflammation
- Encourages general healing
Patient Education
Patients’ education has proven to be beneficial in reducing headache severity and/or frequency. The goal is for you to learn how to recognize your unique triggers such as sleep habits, movement, postural patterns, etc.
To guarantee that treatment is customized to your unique needs, your holistic specialist will evaluate your ailment and classify it according to specific symptoms. Our patient-centered techniques successfully treat acute pain and lower the risk of developing chronic pain.
Book an appointment at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness today!
You don’t have to deal with the pain any longer. Together, you and your holistic therapist will target the pain and diminish it for good. Our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced when it comes to treating minor headaches, severe migraines, and everything in between.
Contact Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness today to make an appointment and get the quality of life back that you deserve.