Blog article
Headaches: Types, treatments and how a physio can help
But not all headaches are created equal – and understanding the type you’re dealing with can make a big difference in how you treat it.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common types of headaches, explore treatment options (from Panadol to physio), and share practical ways to find relief – so you can get back to doing what you love.
Understanding the different types of headaches
Headaches come in many forms, and each type has its own set of symptoms and triggers. Some of the most common include:
- Tension headaches: The most common type of headache, tension headaches feel like a tight band around your head, often caused by stress, fatigue, poor posture, or eye strain. The pain is usually mild to moderate and felt on both sides of the head.2
- Migraines: Often starting on one side of the head, migraine symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience aura – visual or sensory disturbances – before the pain begins.3,4
- Cluster headaches: Rare but painful, cluster headaches usually strike behind one eye and occur in “clusters” – several attacks over weeks or months.5
- Medication overuse headaches: If you’re reaching for Panadol, Nurofen or codeine-based medications too frequently, medication overuse headaches can occur.6
When symptoms signal something more serious
Most headaches aren’t dangerous, but some symptoms should prompt a visit to your doctor. Seek medical attention if you experience:
- A sudden, severe headache (“thunderclap”)
- Headache with vision changes, confusion, neck stiffness or vomiting
- New or worsening headaches, headaches that wake you from sleep, or follow a head injury
How to get rid of a headache?
For many people, over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin are enough to ease the pain for most headache types. Prescription medications such as triptans can be very effective for migraines and cluster headaches.1,5
Long-term, lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
- Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet
- Get regular sleep and take breaks from screens
- Manage stress and keep a headache diary to identify triggers
Complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage, yoga and biofeedback have also shown promise, especially for tension-type headaches.1,2
How a physio can help with headaches
HBF physiotherapist, Jakub Chudy, to learn more about how a physio can help with headaches.
We see a lot of patients with headaches that are actually linked to neck tension or poor posture. If your headache tends to build throughout the day or feels like it’s coming from the base of your skull or shoulders, there’s a good chance your muscles are involved. In a consult, we would assess things like neck mobility, muscle tightness, and how you sit or move during the day.
Treatment might include manual therapy, massage, dry needling (acupuncture), postural correction and targeted exercises. It’s not just about relieving pain – it’s about preventing future flare-ups. And for many people, physio is a game-changer.
