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Headaches

In the course of our daily lives, the majority of people have experienced headaches. For most of us, these headaches are short-lived and relatively minor inconveniences. However, for a small and growing number of persons, headache episodes are chronic, often debilitating occurrences, which leads them to seek remedies beyond the over-the-counter solutions. In fact, various non-prescription headache solutions and, more recently, herbal and supplemental concoction are so heavily advertised and marketed that it is likely they have become a source of some headaches or at the very least, potential harmful side effects.

Everyone would agree that head and jaw pain could have various sources of origin. Of course, some can be signs of very serious pathology, however taking a thorough history can identify these and, if necessary, by further diagnostic testing. One source of many types of head and jaw pain is the musculoskeletal system. Some estimates attribute up to 80% of these symptoms to abnormal biomechanics, posture, and muscular control.

As physical therapists, we exist in the biomechanical realm when evaluating and treating our patients, including those with complaints of head and jaw pain. Utilizing proper musculoskeletal evaluation, implementing appropriate manual techniques, modalities, and exercise, and patient education, we have had great success often with a limited number of visits. We have found that persons experiencing migraine type headaches often have a musculoskeletal component and if treated effectively, can limit the severity and frequency of eve these debilitating monsters.