OSRPT_Recognizing the Causes of Cluster Headaches

OSRPT_Recognizing the Causes of Cluster Headaches

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The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

RECOGNIZING THE CAUSES OF A CLUSTER HEADACHE – and How to Treat It This Holiday Season!

Any type of pain that occurs within the head can be referred to as a “headache.” Most headaches will resolve on their own without medical intervention; however, severe or recurrent headaches that interfere with one’s quality of life should most certainly be evaluated further. The challenge lies in identifying which type of headache you're experiencing and then devising a treatment plan accordingly. Cluster headaches are a specific type of chronic headache. Also known as Horton’s syndrome, cluster headaches are short-lived but painful headaches that occur every day for weeks or even months at a time. They occur in patterns or “clusters,” and they may even happen at the same time every year, such as in the spring or fall. Most cluster attacks occur at night; however, it is possible for them to occur at any point during the day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day. The pain you feel fromcluster headaches is defined as chronic, due to the nature of the ongoing clusters. If you are suffering from chronic headaches, it is important to realize that you are not alone. In fact, according to the International Headache Society, headaches are the third most common pain complaint across the world. If you’ve been living with nagging headaches that seem to come and go at different times, youmay be experiencing cluster headaches. Contact OSRPT

today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists and figure out exactly what type of headache is plaguing you. What causes a cluster headache? While some headaches have specific triggers, such as hormonal changes, stress, or tension, cluster headaches typically do not. While the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, many medical professionals believe that they are associated with the hypothalamus. Some factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing cluster headaches include: • Age. Most people who develop cluster headaches are between 20-50 years old. • Sex. Males are more likely to develop cluster headaches than females. • Smoking. A large number of people who experience cluster headaches are smokers. • Alcohol. Alcohol use can aggravate or even trigger a cluster attack. • Family history. Those who have family members with cluster headaches are more likely to develop them themselves. osrphysicaltherapy.com

HOW CAN PT HELP RELIEVE MY CLUSTER HEADACHES?

• Muscular releases • Muscle energy techniques • Body mobilization • Cervical traction • McKenzie-based therapies • Strengthening • Stretching

Since there are some environmental factors associated with cluster headaches, your physical therapist may also suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent the headaches from occurring. This may include increasing exercise or cutting out alcohol and/or cigarettes. Your physical therapist can also provide you with stress relief exercises to try and avoid stressful situations that may cause your cluster headaches, or the adoption of additional healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule or implementing a more nutritious diet. We can help get to the root of your problem and figure out what factors are causing your cluster headaches so we can treat them accordingly. If you have been dealing with persistent, ongoing headaches that you believe may be cluster headaches, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We will help you figure out the cause of your headaches and provide an effective, safe, and natural treatment plan for eliminating them! Contact OSRPT today at any of our 8 clinics to schedule an appointment or visit osrphysicaltherapy.com.

Physical therapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache - most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physical therapy will. Some common physical therapy treatments for headache relief includes: • Trigger point therapy

• Heat or ice compressions • Soft tissue mobilization

Success Story

Helps to relax your whole body.

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING Lie on your back with your knees bent. Breathe deep, from the belly. Repeat 10 times.

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“Congratulations to our incredible patient, Daniel M.! The Arizona Division II state championship took place on November 7th. He broke the Division II sate record in the 500 yards freestyle. He also was named the Division II male athlete of the year. He has signed, and will swim at University of Southern California next year. We are so proud of how hard you have worked for this, and all of your PT accomplishments!”

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A Message from the OWNERS

AVOID HOLIDAY STRESS

"Wishing all of our friends, family, and patients a very Merry Christmas this year. We are grateful to have you all in our lives!" – Aaron and Kori Williams, Owners

Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, e-mails or videos. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: • Donate to a charity in someone’s name. • Give homemade gifts.

Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Fr i ends and co l l eagues wi l l understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown.

WE OFFICIALLY CELEBRATED THE OPENING OF OUR 8TH CLINIC, LOCATED IN MOON VALLEY THIS PAST MONTH! It looked a little different this time... but we think that made it even more of a special occasion. This year has not been without its challenges, and we continue to be grateful to serve and grow in our communities. Thank you for your support!

New OSRMoon Valley Location Open & Accepting New Patients!

Our Moon Valley location is located just off highway 17, Southeast of the 101. Please visit our website for more details! osrphysicaltherapy.com

OUR NEW

CHECK IT OUT TODAY! Scan the QR code with your smarthphone's camera or visit osrphysicaltherapy.com

WEBSITE HAS TAKEN OFF!

WE ARE OPEN! The Department of Homeland Security considers physical therapy a critical infrastructure industry. Committed to being available to you, your health and safety are our top priority. STAY UPDATED BY FOLLOWING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

PEORIA CLINIC 9784 W. Yearling Rd. Bldg. B, Suite 1520

NORTH PHOENIX CLINIC 2655 W Carefree Hwy,

GILBERT CLINIC 3345 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101

ANTHEM CLINIC 41125 N. Daisy Mountain Dr, Suite 121

GLENDALE CLINIC 5810 W Peoria Ave, Glendale AZ 85302 P: 623.219.4242 F: 623.219.4244 Phoenix AZ 85085 P: 623.434.4655 F: 623.434.4657

Gilbert, AZ 85297 P: 480.857.7123 F: 480.857.8250

SCOTTSDALE CLINIC 9375 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Anthem, AZ 85086 P: 623.551.9706 F: 623.551.9708

Peoria, AZ 85383 P: 623.412.2117 F: 623.412.2118

MOON VALLEY CLINIC 14001 N. 7th St, Suite F112

SUN CITY CLINIC 10474 W. Thunderbird Blvd, Suite 200 Sun City, AZ 85351

Phoenix AZ 85022 P: 480.265.2140 F: 480.265.2141

P: 623.219.4475 F: 623.219.4477

P: 480.265.2122 F: 480.264.7575

and

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GET READY FOR THE NEW YEAR By Relieving Headaches with Physical Therapy

INSIDE:

New OSR Moon Valley Location! See Inside for Details!

• How Can PT Help Relieve My Cluster Headaches? • Avoid Holiday Stress

• Relax Your Whole Body • We Officially Celebrated the Opening of Our 8th Clinic • A Message from the Owners

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