Migraine and Hormone Headaches – your physiotherapist may be able to help you

Reaching for those painkillers again because your head is pounding? Perhaps medication is not the best solution or simply not helping you, all depending on the cause of your headache.

Migraines are less common than tension headaches. They are usually more severe and felt as a throbbing pain, usually at the front or the side of the head. They are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity to light or sound and vomiting. They usually last a couple of hours to days and typically hinder daily activities. Migraines can be helped with over-the-counter medication. Sometimes prescription medication is needed. Your physiotherapist may be able to help your migraines using modalities such as mobilisation, myofascial release techniques, and Dry needling or acupuncture, to name a few.

A common cause of headaches in women is hormone headaches. These are, as the name suggests, related to hormonal changes. Menstruation, contraceptive pills, menopause, and pregnancy can all be triggers. A proper diet, proper sleep, and reduced stress can help manage this type of headache.

There are other, less common types and causes of headaches, but what is common to all kinds of headaches is that our muscles tense up in response to the pain and discomfort.