Headaches/ Migraines
A headache is any sort of ache or pain around the head, eyes and above the ears. Headaches can have varying sources; the main type physiotherapists deal with is 'Cervicogenic headaches', which is a headache caused by tension around the shoulder and neck muscles.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition that causes moderate to severe throbbing head pain, often with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also experience an aura, such as flashing lights or blind spots.
How physio helps
The upper neck and head share nerve pathways, so neck stiffness can trigger or worsen migraines. Our physios assess your neck and treat it with hands-on therapy, targeted exercises and posture advice to help reduce how often and how severely your migraines occur.
Our Headache and Migraine Team
Our physiotherapists assess and treat headaches and migraines linked to the neck and jaw, including using the Watson Headache® Approach. We’ll work out what’s contributing to your pain and tailor a treatment plan to suit you.
Principal Physiotherapist
Christopher Nour
Chris has a strong interest in headaches and migraines linked to the neck and jaw. With a background in ergonomics, he looks at how your posture, workstation and daily habits may be contributing to your symptoms, and combines hands-on treatment with practical advice to help you manage them long term.
Senior Physiotherapist
Harry Roberts
Harry enjoys treating headaches and migraines, particularly those related to neck stiffness and muscle tension. He uses hands-on treatment and targeted exercises to help improve neck movement and strength, and works with you on a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Types of Headaches
Cervicogenic Headaches
Can present with a stiff neck, tight neck muscles and a dull ache causing a headache around the eyes, back of the head and above the ears. These symptoms can be short term or can last for several weeks or months without treatment.
Tension in the neck muscles commonly refers to the closest sources which includes the head, shoulders, and shoulder blade. The pain can be on one or both sides of the neck and can range from mild to severe symptoms.
Severe cervicogenic headaches can cause nausea, vomiting or dizziness. Long periods of computer work particularly on laptops can contribute greatly as well as unsupportive pillows.
Tension-Type Headaches
The most common type of headache, often described as a tight band or pressure around the forehead, temples or back of the head. The pain is usually mild to moderate, felt on both sides, and can last from 30 minutes to several days.
Common causes include stress, poor sleep, eye strain and sustained postures such as long periods at a desk or looking down at a phone.
Physio can help by releasing tight neck, shoulder and jaw muscles, improving posture and workstation setup, and giving you exercises to reduce muscle tension and prevent recurrence.
Migraines
A neurological condition causing moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraines are commonly accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, and some people experience an aura beforehand, such as flashing lights or blind spots.
Attacks can last from a few hours up to three days. Common triggers include stress, poor sleep, skipped meals, hormonal changes and neck tension.
The upper neck and head share nerve pathways, so neck stiffness can trigger or worsen migraines. Physio can help by treating the upper neck with hands-on therapy and targeted exercises to reduce how often and how severely migraines occur.
Jaw (TMJ) Headaches
A neurological condition causing moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Migraines are commonly accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, and some people experience an aura beforehand, such as flashing lights or blind spots.
Attacks can last from a few hours up to three days. Common triggers include stress, poor sleep, skipped meals, hormonal changes and neck tension.
The upper neck and head share nerve pathways, so neck stiffness can trigger or worsen migraines. Physio can help by treating the upper neck with hands-on therapy and targeted exercises to reduce how often and how severely migraines occur.