Five signs you need physical therapy for headache treatment

Sooner or later in life, everyone is bound to experience a headache. Headaches are usually minor and have many causes like dehydration, poor posture or stress. Minor headaches tend to go away on their own after a little rest and, perhaps, some over-the-counter medication. However, some cases of headaches are more serious and require professional treatment.

It can be hard to know when to visit your healthcare provider for headaches, so we put together this list below to help you know when it’s time to get some help. Remember, this list isn’t exclusive. If you’re suffering from a headache and you don’t identify with any of the signs below, you can still contact your healthcare provider for assistance.

Five signs your headache needs professional treatment

1. Chronic or severe head pain — If your headache lasts longer than a few days, grows worse over time or is more severe than a normal headache, you should not hesitate to seek treatment. Also, be aware that sudden pain in the head that is extreme and disorienting may be the sign of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
   
2. Neck pain — Chronic neck pain is often the culprit for chronic head pain. Neck pain may mean there is something like a slipped disc affecting the nerves that run throughout your head and neck.

3. Dizziness and confusion — Normal headaches should not cause other problems like dizziness, confusion or slurred speech. These kinds of symptoms are usually the sign of something more serious.

4. Pain after a collision — A sudden impact can cause a concussion. The impact doesn’t have to be directed to your skull for it to be considered a concussion. If you have head pain and have recently been in some type of collisions (like in football or an automobile accident), please seek medical assistance.

5. Vision problems — Migraines are often accompanied by double-vision or loss of vision. If you have a headache that is also accompanied by vision problems, you may need medical treatment.

Treating headaches at Armor Physical Therapy

Since neck pain is frequently related to head pain, physical therapy can help treat headaches. Physical therapy can reduce the strain of the muscles and ligaments in your neck and reduce pressure off of the nerves. If you are suffering from frequent headaches related to neck pain, please contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out what we can do for you.