A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by pain referred from pain the neck, when the vertebrae in the upper neck become stiff. If you habitually lean forward in your chair or poke your chin out, you may be at risk from experiencing these types of headache as you are placing your body in an unnatural alignment.

Cervicogenic headaches are usually felt as a dull ache usually on one side. Pain can also be felt behind the eyes, at the back and top of the head, the forehead and around the ears. Your neck may also be stuff and you may even experience dizziness as well as pins and needles.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, consider the following factors to help alleviate your pain:

Posture

Have you developed bad habits such as sticking your chest out or leaning forward in your chair? Perhaps you could benefit from a workstation assessment.

Sleep

Try to avoid sleeping on your front as it can cause stiffness in your neck. Also ensure that you sleep on a supportive pillow.

Triggers

Write a diary to help you figure out why you are experiencing headaches. Is there a pattern developing? For instance, do they occur only a certain times of day?

Stress

Make sure you take regular breaks away from your workstation and remember to relax!  Stress can be a huge contributory factor in getting headaches.

Water

Staying hydrated can really help to prevent headaches.

This is obviously not an exclusive list and you should always seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

Can Physio help with your headache?

Physiotherapy can benefit anyone suffering from headaches by advising on posture, strengthening and stretches exercises and releasing stiff joints and muscles.  Acupuncture and taping can also be used alongside physiotherapy to manage your headaches.

Are you experiencing headaches? Our physios can see you at home or at work often within 24 hours. For more information and contact details please visit our local Physiocomestoyou page.

Last Review Date: 29-01-2014

John Langdon Down first described Down’s syndrome in 1866.  It is a genetic condition, which occurs when there is an extra copy or part of an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Children with Down’s syndrome require physio as they all have varying degrees of motor delay, which may be related to low muscle tone and weakness, joint hypermobility and poor postural stability.

Physiotherapy concentrates on increasing core stability and strengthening to help the development of optimal movement patterns and their gross motor skills.  It is recommended that physio starts as soon as possible in a child’s life as children with Down’s syndrome can learn compensatory movements.

Weekly or fortnightly physiotherapy will greatly benefit children with Down’s syndrome.  If your child is not offered this on the NHS, get in touch and we can arrange a specialist paediatric physio experienced in working with children with Down’s syndrome to see your child.

For more information and contact details please visit our local Physiocomestoyou Ltd page.

Last Review Date: 27-01-2014

Fractures in the ankle will cause a lot of pain and swelling. If you are in a lot of pain and are having difficulty standing, we recommend that you seek urgent medical attention to confirm whether you have fractured your ankle.

Seeking a qualified physiotherapist is recommended

If you have fractured your ankle, surgery may be required and it is likely that you will have to wear a cast or boot to keep the ankle joint fixed. It is very important to complete physiotherapy during this period to make sure the rest of the leg does not become weak. Physiotherapy is also necessary after the cast or boot has been removed to regain strength, flexibility and movement around the ankle.

If you sustained an ankle fracture and did not receive any physio, it is recommended that you have a physio assessment to ascertain whether strength, flexibility and movement can be restored.

Physiocomestoyou Ltd are the leading provider of specialists physiotherapists who come to you at home or work throughout London and the UK.

For more information and contact details please visit our local Physiocomestoyou Ltd page.

Last Review Date: 12-01-2014