Headaches and Migraines
There are many reasons that can cause and trigger a headache or migraine depending on your circumstances and sensitivity.
Certain cases may involve tissue tension and irritation in the muscles and joints of the neck, referring pain to the forehead and around the eye(s) or back of the head. A headache arising from the neck is known as a cervicogenic headache. This may be influenced by a wide range of factors such as injury, postural deficiencies, work habits, sitting for long durations e.g. commuting, computing or watching television or screens.
If you experience headaches or migraines an assessment will involve discussing your work/daily habits, medical history - accidents you may of had (such as whiplash) including an examination of your neck, upper back and spinal posture. In some cases with your permission, the therapist may contact your GP or ask you to do so if the therapist feels it is necessary, if further tests would be beneficial to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
It has been well documented that stress and tension may increase the frequency and likelihood of a headache or migraine attack. The clinic offers a wide range of therapies to help reduce stress and tissue tension towards easing or relieving headache/migraine related symptoms. We recommend that you avoid therapy during an acute attack or in certain cases where you suspect the condition or awaiting confirmation of a doctors diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a simple headache?
A simple headache may result from stress, during menstrual periods, alcohol consumption or symptoms from flu or cold. These types of headaches are transient and often resolve spontaneously or in most cases with simple analgesia.
What is a Chronic Headache?
A chronic headache refers to daily and tension headaches. This type of headache may affect the entire head, behind the eye(s) or forehead often causing severe and disabling pain (e.g. like a band around the head).
What is a Migraine Headache?
A migraine headache is a specific type of headache often restricted to one side of the head associated with visual disturbances, nausea/vomiting or frequently with scintillating light waves. In some cases people may experience a visual aura prior to an attack which is often referred to as a classical migraine.
Neuropathic Migraine
A neuropathy migraine may cause one-sided weakness or paralysis of the face and body.
Ophthalmoplegic Migraine
May cause painful red and watery eyes.
Abdominal Migraine
Although less common, pain is felt in the abdomen rather than the head. This type of migraine can affect both children and adults with reoccurring attacks with or without nausea or vomiting. If you experience abdominal pain or similar symptoms we advise you to seek medical attention to rule out other medical conditions.
Can my headache/migraine be serious?
If in doubt we advise you to consult your GP - for example if your headache/migraine continues for 2 weeks. Some headaches/migraines although less common, may result from intracranial disease (inside the brain) causing nausea, vomiting or other neurological signs and symptoms.
I was recommended by my GP practice to try a pain specialist due to suffering with chronic migraines (cluster headaches) and shoulder pain.
From the radio graphic information provided and one appointment with Nick, I came out a different person, as Nick was able to find the underlying source of my migraine and shoulder problem. Thanks to him I am now mobile and pain free. I highly recommend Nick's pain relief clinic and style of treatments.
