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HEADACHES

A headache can disrupt your day, but did you know there are different types of headaches with various causes and symptoms? Understanding these can help you find the right management and treatment.


Types of Headaches
Headaches are broadly categorized into primary and secondary types:


1.    Primary Headaches
These occur without any underlying medical condition and are often triggered by lifestyle factors such as:

  • Stress

  • Lack of sleep

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

 

Common examples include:

  • Migraines

  • Tension-type headaches

  • Cluster headaches


2.    Secondary Headaches
These result from an underlying medical issue. A common example is cervicogenic headaches, which originate in the neck.

 

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches stem from issues in the neck, such as:

  • Trauma (e.g. motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries)

  • Prolonged poor posture (e.g. sitting, sleeping)

  • Age-related degenerative changes

 

These headaches often start in the back of the head (occipital region) and can radiate forward. They may feel intermittent at first but can become constant over time. Neck movements or sustained postures typically worsen the pain.


How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Wanneroo Physiotherapy, our team conducts thorough assessments to determine if your headache aligns with cervicogenic symptoms or another type.

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  • If the headache is cervicogenic, physiotherapy may be the most effective management approach.

  • If the headache is unrelated to neck dysfunction, we may recommend a GP consultation, though physiotherapy techniques like soft tissue massage may still provide relief as part of a multidisciplinary plan.

 

Why Choose Wanneroo Physiotherapy?
We adopt a holistic and tailored approach, which may include:

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  • Education & Advice: Understanding your condition and triggers.

  • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, dry needling, and joint mobilisations.

  • Home Exercises: Focusing on mobility, strengthening, and postural control.

 

Our goal is to address the root cause of your headache, not just the symptoms. By tailoring treatment to your unique needs, we aim to improve your quality of life and prevent recurring pain.
 

If headaches are disrupting your daily routine, let us help you find relief. Book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists today!

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Picture of a man experiencing a headache
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