What Is Migraine?

A migraine headache (also known as migraine) is classified as a neurological disorder due to the recurring episodes of headache pain. In general, these headache episodes range in intensity from moderate to severe, most often affect one side of the individual’s head, and many times are often described as being similar to a “throbbing” or “pulsating” pain that increases as the individual engages in physical activity (usually).

Migraine attacks typically last between 4 and 72 hours if untreated or not properly managed.

In addition to head pain, people may experience symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty concentrating

Migraines are not simply caused by stress or neck problems. They involve complex changes in the nervous system and brain activity.

Types of Migraine

Different types of migraines exist. There are a number of common types of migraines, including:

Migraine without aura

Migraine without aura is the most common type of migraine. Individuals may have a headache and other symptoms, but will not have any type of neurological symptoms beforehand.

Migraine with aura

Individuals with migraine with aura may have neurological symptoms before experiencing a headache. For example, they may see bright flashing lights, zig-zag lines, or lose their vision for a short period of time.

Chronic migraine

Chronic migraine refers to individuals who have been diagnosed with having migraines more than 15 times throughout the month, with at least 8 of these 15 headaches meeting the criteria for migraine.

Vestibular migraine

Vestibular migraines may or may not have a headache associated with them. Dizziness, balance issues, and/or vertigo can occur with or without a headache.

Determining which type of migraine is present will help a provider determine the best way to treat the migraine.

What causes migraines?

Migraines are caused by changes in the central nervous system. There are various brain structures and systems involved in initiating migraines. One of the brain structures thought to be involved is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is theorised to trigger the onset of a migraine, as well as provide some of the very early warning signs, including being tired, yawning, mood changes, and/or craving certain foods.

Another important component is the trigeminal nerve system, which carries sensory signals from the head and face. During a migraine attack, this system becomes overly sensitive, leading to the characteristic throbbing pain.

The cerebellum, which helps control balance and coordination, may also become overactive. This can contribute to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and balance disturbances.

These neurological changes explain why migraines are much more complex than typical headaches.

Common Migraine Phases

Migraines often occur in stages, though not everyone experiences all phases.

Prodrome Phase

This stage can occur hours or even days before the headache. Early warning signs may include:

• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Frequent yawning

Aura Phase

Some people experience visual or neurological symptoms before the headache begins. These may include:

• Flashing lights or bright spots
• Zig-zag patterns in vision
• Tingling in the face or limbs
• Speech difficulties

Headache Phase

This stage involves the actual migraine headache, which may include:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Difficulty performing daily activities

Postdrome Phase

After the headache subsides, many people experience fatigue, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating for several hours or days.

Triggers and Risk Factors

Migraines affect around 15% of adults and are more common in women than men.

Several factors can trigger migraine attacks, including:

• Stress or emotional changes
• Bright lights or loud noises
• Strong smells
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Skipping meals
• Dehydration

Genetics also play a role. People with a family history of migraines are more likely to develop the condition.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Migraine Management

Physiotherapy’s role in managing migraines as an overall treatment option has increased as part of a complete treatment approach to migraines.

Physiotherapy’s emphasis on addressing musculoskeletal factors that can contribute to migraine symptoms makes this speciality of physiotherapy an important part of migraine management. In general, people with migraines may also experience neck pain and/or muscular tension and/or postural problems that can cause increased discomfort and trigger migraines.

Physiotherapists will determine various physical factors that could relate to their patients’ migraines. These factors include:

The patient’s range of motion in the neck

• Posture
• Muscle strength
• Tender points in muscles
• Movement patterns

Research has shown that several individuals suffering from migraines tend to have some sort of dysfunction of their musculoskeletal system, particularly in the neck and shoulder regions. By addressing any dysfunctions or correcting any dysfunctions, physiotherapy can help mitigate additional stress to the Nervous System.

At Anandi’s Physiotherapy, therapists assess patients’ physical parameters and develop individualised treatment plans to support their migraine management.

Physiotherapy Techniques for Treating Migraines

Some physiotherapy methods may be helpful for assisting in the treatment of migraines when used as an adjunct to medical treatment. These methods include:

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is defined as the use of hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve joint movement, particularly within the cervical and shoulder area.

A few examples of these techniques are:

Soft Tissue Release

This technique can be used to relieve tension within the muscle fibres

Joint Mobilisation

This technique can be used to restore movement in your joints, particularly in your upper neck and shoulder.

Trigger Point Therapy

This technique can be used to relieve tension from a specific point in your muscle, and may help reduce the level of discomfort associated with migraines.

Posture Correction

Poor posture, especially during long hours of desk work or phone use, can increase strain on the neck and upper back. Physiotherapists help patients improve posture and movement patterns to reduce this strain.

Exercise Therapy

Migraine management can be positively impacted by utilising physical activity. Regular aerobic activities, including walking and/or cycling, may lead to a reduced frequency of migraines in some people.

Exercise should, however, be performed when someone does not have a migraine, and avoided prior to migraines occurring.

Relaxation Techniques

Stress is often a trigger or cause for a migraine. To help manage stress, physiotherapists provide their patients with relaxation techniques. Examples of relaxation techniques include: breathing exercises and gentle stretching movements.

Education and Lifestyle Guidance

By having an understanding of triggers and/or patterns of migraines, physiotherapists will assist patients in managing their migraine conditions. Many physiotherapists will recommend that patients keep a headache diary to track how often they have migraines, what triggers their migraines, etc. In addition to adhering to a headache diary, physiotherapists will provide education regarding hydration, sleep routines and managing stress.

A Holistic Approach to Migraine Care

When treating migraines, the best approach is to combine multiple treatments as part of the overall care plan. As a result, physiotherapy is often used with medical treatments, lifestyle alterations, and preventative strategies, in addition to the use of medication in the case of acute migraine attacks. Using physiotherapy as an addition to medication will assist in treating the various physical elements that contribute to a person’s migraine discomfort.

Finally, a holistic approach to treating a migraine will address the physical, neurological, and/or lifestyle aspects, as they relate to the overall management of migraines.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Frequent or severe headaches
• Headaches that worsen over time
• Headaches with unusual neurological symptoms
• Sudden severe headaches

A proper diagnosis ensures that migraines are correctly identified and treated.

At Anandi’s Physiotherapy, trained physiotherapists work with patients to assess physical contributors to migraine symptoms and develop personalised treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Migraines are a complex neurological condition that can greatly impact daily life. While medications remain an important part of treatment, the Role of Physiotherapy in Migraine Management is gaining increasing recognition.

Physiotherapy helps address musculoskeletal factors such as neck tension, posture problems, and movement limitations that may worsen migraine symptoms. Through manual therapy, exercise, education, and lifestyle guidance, physiotherapy can support patients in managing migraines more effectively.

At Anandi’s Physiotherapy, the focus is on providing personalised care that helps patients reduce discomfort, improve physical function, and better manage their migraine symptoms over time.