Physical Therapy and Headaches
Headaches are a result of decreased neural firing and/or blood flow to the brain. These two things can be a direct correlation to hypertonic muscles and hypermobile joint articulations restricting adequate cervical spine movement. Headaches have an increased prevalence after a whiplash injury. The trauma and inflammation to the neck add to increased pressure on arteries and nerves and disrupts proper joint positioning.
Physical therapists will address what the source tissue is that is leading to the individual’s headaches and will address impairments through manual therapy and education on therapeutic exercises. These therapies may involve soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, passive range of motion, and muscle strengthening for proper posture.