Headaches.  Whether you get them on a regular basis or only once in a while, the same rings true for everyone: they truly are a pain and can really mess with your daily affairs.

Like back pain, headaches are one of the most common causes for physical complaints, and approximately 45 million Americans currently suffer from chronic headaches.  For the rest of the population, headaches may still occur on a less frequent basis, as 90% of the population will experience at least one in their lifetime.

Based on this, most people know the unfortunate sensation of pain that may originate in the head itself or travel from other regions of the body and eventually lead to a nagging discomfort in any region of the head.  What you may not know is that physical therapy can be used as effective treatment that could provide immediate relief for headaches, and CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services LLC can help.

Headaches can be classified into a number of different types, but tension headaches are the most common.  These headaches are often described as a tight band of mild to moderate pain around the head, and though their exact cause is unknown, they may be caused by neck or jaw problems, poor posture, fatigue or stress.

Physical therapy has been supported by evidence as an effective treatment for multiple types of headaches, but some consider it to be most effective for tension headaches.  If diagnosed with a tension headache, a physical therapist will create a treatment plan that will include the following:

• Soft tissue mobilization: rhythmic soft-tissue stretching of the neck and upper back muscles
• Neck mobilization: manual technique to gently move joints of the neck
• Strengthening exercises: to increase strength of the muscles that stabilize the upper back and neck to improve posture and endurance
• Stretching exercises: to increase range of motion to tight muscles in the neck, chest, and upper back
• Posture education: making slight modifications to the home or office (e.g. use a handset, keep computer screen at or below eye level, etc.) to improve overall spinal posture, reduce stress and increase body awareness
• Exercise education: encourages more movement to promote normal neck mechanics to minimize pain

Some headaches are alleviated right away, while others may require regular treatment for some time.  If you are experiencing any type of headache frequently and would like some immediate help, please visit CAM at any of our three locations in Laurel, Hyattsville or Glenn Dale/Bowie, MD.  Call (301) 853-0093 to schedule an appointment, or click here for more information on physical therapy for headaches.