What are headaches? Contrary to popular opinion, headaches are not pain in the actual brain tissue. Headaches are instead pain felt by the sensitive coverings of the brain and/or the large veins and arteries which drain fluid from the brain.
What Causes Headaches? Sinus, tooth, ear and muscle pain produce headaches by radiating the pain to these sensitive coverings when they tense and when the muscles spanning the neck and base of the skull contract. Headaches can also be caused by allergies, food sensitivities and, of course, trauma to the head.
How Does Physical Therapy Handle Headaches? While physical therapy does not handle headaches caused by nutrition it can isolate and handle headaches caused by musculoskeletal issues and imbalances. musculoskeletal causes are often the case with many people who do not have a known nutritional or allergic trigger.
Once the musculoskeletal reason is known the therapist will work to reestablish the mobility, muscle balance, flexibility and strength in the effected bones and tissues so that the headaches not only stops but do not reoccur.
If you are wondering if your headaches are musculoskeletal in nature and can be removed from your life, come in for a free consultation with a licensed physical therapist who will answer your questions and help you find a solution to your headaches.