Occasional head pain is a normal part of life. Headaches can be caused by problems like dehydration or lack of rest that are usually simple enough to address on your own. However, people who suffer from migraines have more obstacles to face.
Migraines are severe forms of head pain that are usually related to a disorder in the nervous system. Typically, there are triggers that cause migraines to flare up. The causes of migraines are not always observable, but by identifying and preventing certain triggers, you can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Treating migraines with physical therapy
One reliable method for reducing pain and preventing triggers that cause migraines is physical therapy. Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to help prevent triggers and manage pain, including:
- Stretching and exercising the neck muscles — A common cause of tension headaches is stiff muscles in the neck. This is also known to be a trigger of migraine pain. Physical therapists can help you stretch and exercise your muscles to improve support for your neck, which can reduce migraine pain.
- Improving your posture — Poor neck posture can strain the muscles and the spine, which may trigger migraines. Physical therapists can guide you through posture education for sitting, standing and sleeping. Improving your posture in these areas can help reduce triggers that cause migraines or other issues in your neck.
- Helping you relax — It’s not always possible to identify all the triggers of an individual’s migraine. When you cannot identify and prevent specific triggers, you’ll still need help managing the pain. Physical therapists can guide you through relaxation techniques that can help get you through the moments when migraine pain strikes.
Physical therapy is a great way to go for treating migraines because it may lessen your dependency on migraine medications that cause negative side effects. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist to find out if physical therapy is right for you.
Visit Panther Physical Therapy in Allison Park, PA, for arthritis treatment
If you live near Allison Park, Pennsylvania, and suffer from frequent migraines, our team at Panther Physical therapy may be able to help. We can examine your condition and identify potential triggers of your migraines and develop a personalized treatment for you. Contact our team today to learn more about treating migraines or to schedule an initial appointment.