A significant
number of headaches have a neck component to their origin i.e. stiffness of
the upper neck joints and/or tightness of the neck musculature is a factor resulting in headache.
Some cervical or neck headaches are traumatic in nature e.g. whiplash
sustained in a motor vehicle accident or damage sustained in an industrial
or sporting injury. Others are the result of persistent poor posture,
sustained or repeated activities which place the neck in a poor position.
Dysfunction of the neck joints and muscles can
also result in jaw and face pain. Jaw pain and difficulty with chewing
can be caused by problems with the temporo-mandibular joints i.e. joints
whereby the jaw is connected to the skull. Tightness of surrounding
muscles can further contribute to the problem.
Good results can often be obtained from
physiotherapy treatment for neck headaches, jaw and face pain.
Treatment can consist of:
-
Joint mobilizations to
relieve joint stiffness
-
Soft tissue massage
-
Stretches to tight
muscles
-
Strengthening exercises
for weak stabilizing muscles
-
Postural correction
-
Ergonomic assessment of
workplace set-up
-
Modification of tasks
in an overuse situation
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