Dizziness
Dizziness or headaches is a common problem that we see in our practice. Blows to the head druing car accidents or falls can cause headaches, but one of the most common causes of headaches is poor posture. Poor posture in patients who have to sit for more than 1-2 hours a day at work can put stress on the muscles, ligaments and joints of the upper neck. Luckily, these kinds of headaches respond well to physical therapy.
Risk Factors
- Repeated lifting of the arms overhead
- Prolonged sitting in class or at work
- Poor sitting posture (probably the most common cause)
- Weakness of the muscles that control the neck
- Poor flexibility/ joint mobility
- Previous history of migraines or chronic headaches
- Dehydration
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is causing my headache?
The two most common causes of a headache are poor posture and upper neck joint problems. Although blows to the head are the most straightforward causes to a headache for patients we see in our practice, they are not as common. A complete screen from a physical therapist is required to determine the cause of your pain.
How do I get rid of it?
Well, that depends on what is causing it. That is why it is so important to find the cause. Headaches are commonly caused by joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine that is preceded by weakness of the muscles that control the upper cervical spine. This is usually the result chronic poor posture.
The good news is that most headaches resolve with physical therapy and do not require surgery or other invasive intervention. One major factor in the time it takes to heal from a headache is the length of time it takes for someone who is having pain to start physical therapy. The sooner we get our hands on the patient, the less time it takes to get back to pain-free living and avoid surgery.
Do I need to see my doctor first?
No. Louisiana is a Direct Access state. This means you do not need to go to your doctor to get a prescription. We work closely with several doctors who specialize in the treatment of headaches in the communities we serve, so if you do need to see a doctor, we will set that up for you.
Will my headache going to go away on its own?
It’s possible, but not likely. Unfortunately, most people who have a headache think “Well, maybe it will just go away.” The problem with that is, the longer you have a headache, the longer it takes us to fix it. Pain is a warning signal in your body telling you something is wrong. Waiting for the pain to go away is not a good strategy. The quicker you get in to see a qualified physical therapist, the faster you can be on your road to recovery.
What should I do now?
The first step to eliminating your pain is finding out what is causing it. Call right now, 337-993-2766 and schedule your Free Screen at any of our locations. You will get a free 30 minute appointment with one of our therapists so that you can get all your questions answered.