Headache and Migraine Treatment

With increase in research taking place for the best treatment of headaches and migraines recent research has found a common finding in those who experience headaches and migraines. 

A sensitised brainstem was observed in those who experienced headaches and migraines. 

A sensitised brainstem has been found to be the real cause of many of the headache types and related symptoms. In the past people have thought that it was due to dilated blood vessels in the brain or muscle tension in the scalp of the head however we are now moving past this model.

What is the brainstem? Why would it cause headaches and migraines?

The brainstem connects the brain to our body and acts like a relay centre in our body by receiving signals from the brain and sending it to our body and vice versa. When too much signals and stimulus is provided to the brainstem, the brainstem will interpret this message and produce pain signals which ultimately leads to headaches and migraines.

There are different triggers that contribute to the sensitisation of the brainstem. Some examples include stress and hormones but here at Physio Ready we work on 3 specific triggers that we can change and therefore improve your headache and migraine symptoms.

The 3 specific triggers that we can change to improve your headache symptoms are:

1. Upper 3 neck joints
2. Ocular motor control
3. Vestibular components

What does a typical treatment session look like and how is Physio Ready different from other headaches treatments?

With headaches many people will go and visit numerous specialists, get scans done on the brain and take medication to treat their headaches. However, after seeing many specialists, receiving results for their scans, and taking medications little relief and answers are provided about exactly why the headaches are occurring and how to stop it.

Here at Physio Ready we use evidence based methods to decrease the sensitised brainstem by concentrating on assessing and treating 3 of the main components that influence the sensitivity of brainstem including the:

• Neck
• Ocular motor control (visual control)
• Balance (vestibular component)

We use evidence-based methods to identify which factors contribute to your headaches or migraines and address them with safe, effective treatments that typically deliver results within five sessions—without spinal manipulation or medication.

Do you want help for your headaches and migraines?

Whether you are suffering from constant headaches, episodic headaches or even migraines we may have a solution for you.

Call Physio Ready on (02) 8622 1681 (Ermington) or (02) 9249 9122 (Ryde) to book an appointment to see one of our physiotherapists for your headaches and migraines.