Physiotherapy is often overlooked in the treatment of headache and migraine. It is the most common non-pharmacological treatment for headache and migraine. Physiotherapists can treat headache and migraine by treating the upper cervical segments to desensitise the lower brain stem which often contributes to these conditions. You don’t have to have neck pain or stiffness associated with your headache or migraine to benefit from this treatment. Physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in headache + migraine sufferers even without neck pain or stiffness as these patients will still be experiencing an over-sensitised lower brain stem which is enclosed by the upper cervical vertebrae.
Research has shown the following conditions can have successful outcomes with Physiotherapy treatment:
- Cervicogenic Headache
- Cluster Headaches
- Tension-Type Headaches
- Migraines
- Abdominal Migraines
- Menstrual Migraines
- Migraines with Auras
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
- Hemiplegic Migraines
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Vestibular Migraines
The course was based on the Watson Headache® Approach, a protocol for the skilled assessment and management of the upper cervical (neck) spine in Cervicogenic and Primary Headache, and related conditions in which the underlying dysfunction is sensitisation of the lower brainstem. The Watson Headache® Approach is recognised as a scientifically researched method of examination as well as a comprehensive clinical management system. For further information, go to: www.WatsonHeadacheApproach.com
Written by Caitlyn Smith, Physiotherapist