There are certain types of headaches that can be treated by physiotherapy. Joint stiffness in the neck, and tension in the upper back as well as in the sub-occipital muscles located at the back of the neck and just below the skull can provoke headaches. The treatment regimen consists of manual therapy (joint mobilizations) and specific exercises. If, however, you are experiencing intense and unrelenting headaches, it is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing involves the adequate contraction of the diaphragm while breathing in. Many people tend to overuse the muscles of the neck during respiration, which can lead to negative consequences:
- pain in the neck and upper back due to excess muscle tension and stiffness in the spine and ribs
- a reduction in oxygen intake by the lungs due to the insufficient contraction of the diaphragm, which acts as a pump
- pain in the low back and the pelvic area resulting from a decrease in diaphragmatic contraction, which can contribute to a lack of muscular stabilization in the back and the pelvic region
A method for practicing diaphragmatic breathing:
- place the hands on the abdomen
- take a deep and slow breath through the nose while applying a light pressure on the abdomen with the hands to stimulate contraction of the diaphragm
- exhale slowly through the mouth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924606/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183256/
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