Putting up with headaches?

- 50% of people that suffer from migraines don’t realise it is actually a migraine - migraines cause throbbing pain on one side of your head as well as nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light— but you don't have to experience all of these symptoms for the headache to be a migraine. Many people mistakenly assume they're having tension headaches.

- Your diet might be affecting your headaches – Some foods contain chemicals that can trigger headaches. Things like deli meats that contain nitrates and foods with MSG are best avoided if you are prone to headaches. Tyramine, found in natural foods like citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, onions and nuts may also need to be avoided. However, triggers are different for everyone, it may take some time to determine the cause your headaches. A food diary can be helpful.

- Smokers are at higher risk of suffering from cluster headaches – Cluster headaches are not very common but smokers are more often affected. Symptoms include intense pain on one side of the head and feelings of anger and agitation. Sufferers may need to go to emergency for oxygen or and injection.

- Botox can treat migraines – Although Botox is best known as a cosmetic treatment, specialists have been successfully using it to combat migraines for over a decade. Whilst it’s not a permanent fix it can be quite effective.

Physiotherapists can successfully treat headaches originating from the neck or soft tissues and help teach you how to prevent them from coming back.

Treatment can include techniques like joint mobilisation, soft tissue release and dry needling.

However, if migraine, allergic reactions or other factors are likely to be causing your headaches, your physiotherapist will recommend that you see a doctor.

If you are experiencing painful headaches, neckaches or migraines, it is important that you have your condition assessed by a physiotherapist.