Beyond the Headache: A Physiotherapist's Perspective on Migraine Awareness Week

As we mark Migraine Awareness Week, I'm reminded of how often patients apologise when mentioning their headaches during consultations. "It's probably nothing," they say, yet migraine affects 1 in 7 people globally and is the third most common disease worldwide. From a physiotherapist's perspective, the musculoskeletal connections to migraine are both fascinating and treatable.

More Than Just a Headache

Migraine isn't simply a severe headache – it's a complex neurological condition with significant physical components. Research shows strong links between neck dysfunction, postural abnormalities, and migraine frequency. Studies indicate that up to 87% of migraine sufferers also experience cervicogenic symptoms, suggesting a clear role for physiotherapy intervention.

The modern workplace hasn't helped matters. Hours spent hunched over computers create the perfect storm: forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and increased tension through the suboccipital muscles. These postural changes can trigger or perpetuate migraine patterns through complex neurovascular mechanisms.

The Evidence Base

Recent systematic reviews demonstrate that manual therapy and targeted exercise can significantly reduce migraine frequency and intensity. A randomised controlled trial published in Cephalalgia found that cervical spine treatment reduced migraine days by an average of 2.5 days per month – a clinically meaningful improvement for sufferers.

What's particularly encouraging is research showing that addressing cervical joint dysfunction and muscle imbalances can break the cycle of recurrent migraines. The upper cervical spine shares neural pathways with trigeminal nerve structures, explaining why neck treatment can influence head pain patterns.

Practical Interventions

In practice, I've seen remarkable improvements when addressing:

Cervical mobility restrictions – particularly at the upper cervical segments Postural correction – reducing forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis Muscle imbalances – strengthening deep neck flexors whilst releasing tight suboccipitalsWorkplace ergonomics – optimising computer setup and regular movement breaks

The key is individualised assessment. Not every migraine has a musculoskeletal component, but when present, targeted physiotherapy can be transformative.

A Collaborative Approach

Effective migraine management requires multidisciplinary care. Physiotherapy works brilliantly alongside medical management, addressing the physical contributors whilst doctors manage the neurological aspects. I frequently collaborate with neurologists, providing valuable insights into cervical dysfunction patterns.

Patients often report that physiotherapy helps not just with pain reduction, but also with improved sleep quality, reduced medication dependence, and enhanced overall function – outcomes that matter enormously to quality of life.

Hope and Help

This Migraine Awareness Week, let's challenge the misconception that migraines are "just headaches" to be endured. For many sufferers, addressing the musculoskeletal components can provide significant relief and reduce the burden of this debilitating condition.

If you're experiencing frequent headaches, don't dismiss the potential role of neck dysfunction. A thorough assessment might reveal treatable contributing factors.

For specialist headache assessment and evidence-based treatment approaches, call us on 020 7435 4910 or check us out at www.smartphysio.co.uk.

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