There are many different types of headaches the most common being migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. In physical therapy we tend to address tension headaches, which usually start at the base of the skull and wrap around to the side of the temples. Tight neck muscles, poor neck mobility, and bad posture can lead to tension type headaches.  Forward head posture puts increased tension on the neck muscles and adds to stress on the spine that can lead to headaches. Sitting at the computer, reading or driving for long periods of time can lead to forward head posture. Daily stress is also a contributing factor because it can cause increased tension throughout the neck muscles. 

Our sense of balance comes from three different systems working together:

1.  The vestibular system (inner ear) gives us feedback on our head position and movements.

2.  The visual system allows us to see where we are in relation to our environment.

3.  The proprioceptors, which are located in our muscles, tendons, and joints, give us feedback on where our body is in space.  

Pain is an alert that the body is not working optimally, and it should be addressed.  People tend to want to work through pain while exercising or to get things done around the house; however, this can lead to injury.  It is best to address the issues causing pain immediately and fix them so that we can avoid long term issues.  When muscles are tight or weak, or joints are stiff or unstable, the body does not work at its best.  It automatically compensates by using different muscles or poor alignment to get the job done.  Muscle tightness and weakness are results of how they are being used day to day.

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The importance of core strengthening is that it stabilizes the spine in anticipation of all movements, starting from when we roll out of bed in the morning to going out for an evening walk. When the spine is not supported, there can be undue stresses that cause wear and tear over time or, even worse, an acute injury.  If the back has been injured, the muscles may not fire at all, or the timing of when they do can be delayed.  This inadequate muscle support can lead to an increase in stress on the spine.

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