Pounding headaches? Get the treatment you need

It’s the middle of the afternoon and you start to feel that familiar tension. Before you know it, whether at work or home, you’re dealing with a pounding headache. Headaches can strike at any time, although many experience them toward the end of a long day; especially with our busy schedules that don’t give us much time to relax.

Pounding headaches can have a number of causes and there are different specific types, but if they are happening to you regularly, you know how much of a drain they can be on your work, family and social life. If you’re looking to find a way to eliminate recurring pounding headaches, learning more about the available treatment options is a great first step.

To help, Armor Physical Therapy has put together this easy-to-understand guide to treating and preventing pounding headaches.  

Treating and preventing pounding headaches

Whether it’s a tension headache, migraine, cluster headache or any other type, medical researchers are still trying to piece together the underlying causes of headaches. Contributors can include cardiovascular problems, neurological disorders and spine conditions, as well as lifestyle factors such as improper nutrition, poor posture and an overly sedentary lifestyle.

If you are looking to relieve a pounding headache, here are some of the most common treatment methods:

• Apply a cold compress to the area
• Rest in a quiet and dark location if possible
• Drink a glass of cool water

There are also a number of effective preventive measures everyone should take to potentially stop pounding headaches from developing in the first place. These include:

• Getting a good night’s sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Staying hydrated throughout the day
• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Practicing good posture
• Taking regular breaks from work, especially to stand and stretch

By being mindful of the triggers that can cause a pounding headache to develop, you can take the necessary steps for prevention and treatment.

How does physical therapy help treat headaches?

If you’re dealing with chronic headaches, it could be a sign of an issue that may be helped by physical therapy. A qualified physical therapist can evaluate your posture and movement and instruct you on exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your head and improve your posture.

Armor Physical Therapy offers a full range of treatment options that can help with pounding headaches, including manual therapy, myofascial release, electrical stimulation and therapeutic exercise. To learn more about how we can help and to schedule an initial appointment, contact us today.