Do you suffer from tension headaches and debilitating migraines that interrupt your life and leave you in a world of pain? The World Health Organisation reports that “at least 1 in 20 people suffer from some form of headache every day.” There are many different types of headaches, however Tension headaches and migraines are the
most common.
Common Causes of Headaches and Migraines:
It’s All in Your Neck
Headaches present in many different forms including, tension headaches and migraine often caused by neck dysfunction. These headaches can affect various parts of the head and eyes in the form of pain, or other symptoms such as visual and balance disturbances as well as nausea.
Headaches or migraines caused by problems in the neck are often referred to as ‘Cervicogenic Headache’.
This is usually due to:
Impaired movement of the upper three vertebrae of the neck
Increased sensitivity of the nervous system at the base of the skull
How We Can Help:
The Watson Headache ® Approach
At Power Physiotherapy, we have been successfully treating and managing pain from headaches and migraines using the Watson Headache ® Approach. Dr. Dean Watson is a world-renowned Australian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and head of the Watson Headache ® Institute who focuses only in headache treatment.
Sandra Jefferies attended the 2 day Watson Headache ® Institute, Level 2 Consolidation course titled, “The Role of C1 – C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache”. The course was held on March 30 and 31, 2019 in Sydney NSW and presented by Dr. Dean H Watson, Australian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.
The course comprised 14 hours and was based on the Watson Headache® Approach, a protocol for the skilled assessment and management of the upper cervical (neck) spine in headache and migraine conditions. The Watson Headache® Approach is recognised as a scientifically researched method of examination and treatment. She previously attended the Level 1 course titled “The Role of C1 – C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache” in Perth in 2011 , which comprised of 20 hours also presented by Dr. Dean H Watson.
Stefano Vinci attended the 3 day Watson Headache ® Institute, Level 1 Foundation Course titled “The Role of C 1 – C 3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache” in Sydney NSW 27th – 29th May 2016, presented by Dr. Dean H Watson, Australian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.
Number of Treatments Required
Most patients experience a reduction in symptoms after 5 treatments, during which time we will teach you the technique for self-management. Managing the pain on your own is an essential part of reducing reoccurrences. We’ll teach you specific exercises for headache relief that relate directly to improving the mobility of the upper vertebrae of the neck
If you are experiencing headaches and migraines, here are some steps you should follow to look after yourself before you see the physio.
