Migraine Treatment

If you suffer from headaches, you’re not alone. It is estimated by the Migraine Research Foundation that 12% of the population suffer from migraines. Globally, it is thought that approximately 90% of migraine suffers cannot function or work when they have a migraine. Therefore this amounts to a loss of productivity in the workplace and a global economic loss. People with migraine headaches are also said to suffer additional challenges in their personal lives. Due to disabling pain, they may be short-tempered, emotional or unable to fulfil their role within the family.

Can physiotherapy help migraines? Yes. The first step is to try to establish whether you are suffering from a migraine, a tension headache or a cervicogenic headache. There are over 300 sources of a headache, a tension headache is the most common form of primary headache. A cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache actually caused by something else. The cause could be muscular or joint related. In such cases manual therapy is required. There are over 300 sources of a headache, a tension headache is the most common form of primary headache.

Acupuncture and dry needling can be useful in the reduction of pain of all three different types of headaches. Often-times, there are elements of muscle tightness regardless of the type of headache. There is also evidence to show that the deep neck flexors tend to be weak in headache suffers. The evidence shows that if assessment shows these muscles to be weak, deep neck flexor strengthening exercises can help to improve the stability neck via the deep neck muscles. Furthermore, strengthening these muscles has been shown to decrease pain. Other physiotherapy treatment for headaches include: posture correction, stiff joints unlocked or mobilized, tight muscles released, and advice to reduce reoccurrence.

Let’s summarize! It is important to establish the type of headache you suffer from. It is also important to assess your deep neck flexor muscles. Manual therapy is often indicated to help alleviate symptoms such as tight muscles and stiff joints. If you are seeking migraine treatment in Abu Dhabi, we can help!