Headaches are a common problem. Many people experience headaches. The problem can be quite debilitating with the symptoms ranging from a few hours to days or even weeks. When the symptoms last for weeks, the pain may come and go or the person may suffer a low grade dull headache or throb all the time.

An essential factor when considering an individual with a headache is that the symptoms do not have an underlying serious pathology such as a tumour. A McKenzie Physiotherapist is able to assess a person’s neck and head movements and determine if the symptoms change with different movements and positions.

Headaches that are caused by a musculoskeletal problem, i.e. the ligaments, muscles or soft tissues, typically are aggravated by having the neck and neck positioned in prolonged “bad” positions. This is usually sitting in a slouched position whereby the head is held in a protruded position. This puts a lot of pressure on the soft tissues at the back of the head or upper part of the neck and can lead to pain.

To combat headaches caused by sitting the wrong way, it is essential to be aware of how you hold your body. Many things we do during our normal routine involve the head in a forward or poked chin position. By stopping and thinking where you head is in space, this can minimize the amount your head is in that “bad” position.

Another thing to consider is the way you stand and walk. Often people stand with their shoulders forward and down which results in the head being poked or protruded forward. It is matter of reminding oneself to stand tall. Think that a piece of string is pulling you up by the head or think that you are a “cat walk model” that moves with great posture and style.