Headaches
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Physical therapy might not be your go-to solution for headaches, but it's better for lasting relief than painkillers, which only offer temporary relief. Many headaches stem from neck issues—cervicogenic headaches. Bad posture, stress, and similar factors can weaken or harm your neck muscles and joints, causing pain that spreads to your head. Physical therapy addresses the neck problem to give you long-term relief.
Headaches are common in Freehold, NJ, just
like they are for 80-90% of Americans who experience them now and then. Globally, headaches are a top cause of pain. At Stride Physical Therapy, whether you have the occasional headache or suffer from ongoing ones like migraines, we can help you with physical therapy.
How can physical therapy help my headache?
Are you battling migraines? Reach out to our Freehold, NJ physical therapy office now. Stride Physical Therapy commits to offering top-notch solutions for your headache relief.
During your first visit, our expert physical therapist will perform an assessment and discuss your health history and symptoms. This helps us identify the kind of headache you have and pinpoint the source of the pain.
We will create a customized treatment plan to guide your recovery.
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Unsure About Your Headache Type? Identify Your Headache!
Headaches come in various forms, each with its own cause. The three primary types are:
Cervicogenic headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches stem from neck pain linked to the upper three neck vertebrae. They arise from conditions like concussion or arthritis, and work strain too, especially in jobs needing prolonged head or neck bending, like hairdressers, truck drivers, chefs, nail technicians, and jewelers.
Musculoskeletal headaches.
Headaches caused by muscle and bone issues, often stem from tightness in the neck. Physical problems, like imbalance or injury, along with stress, usually trigger these headaches. Whiplash, a neck injury, is a typical example. It involves tearing or stretching neck muscles and tissues, which can cause severe pain in the head, face, neck, and shoulders.
Tension headaches.
Tension headaches, the most frequent type, stem from repetitive movements or bad neck/head posture. They arise when the dura mater—a sensitive layer surrounding the brain—gets strained. Nearby tiny skull muscles then spasm, prompting pain signals and resulting in a headache.
Ready to Banish Those Pesky Headaches for Good?
At Stride Physical Therapy, we offer headache treatments that ease pain, enhance posture, and strengthen neck and upper back muscles. Enjoy a more comfortable, headache-free daily life. Book your session with a Freehold, NJ physical therapist—contact us now.
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
Elevate Your Health with Our All-Inclusive Wellness Services!
Take one step closer to a pain-free life with Stride Physical Therapy! Discover medication and surgery-free solutions with our sessions.
Health Blog
Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?
Struggling with Persistent Back Pain? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
If you're dealing with unusual back or neck pain, or even numbness in your limbs, it could be due to a herniated disc. These issues can cause a range of confusing symptoms, but you don’t have to face them alone!
Our physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy are here to help you understand herniated discs, their symptoms, and how we can help relieve your pain through targeted treatment.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s outer layer weakens and allows the inner fluid to push outward. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock to keep the spine stable. But over time, wear and tear or sudden injuries can cause these discs to bulge or tear, leading to a herniation. Common causes include aging, accidents, or even heavy lifting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Not all herniated discs cause pain, but if they press on nearby nerves, you might experience:
Pain that increases with movement, like standing up or sitting down
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Discomfort in the lower back, especially after bending or twisting
Neck pain (if the affected disc is in the cervical area)
Symptoms following an accident or physical stress, like lifting a heavy object
If you find that heat, cold, or massage brings relief, it could be a strain rather than a disc issue. For accurate diagnosis, imaging such as an X-ray is often the best approach, as it can reveal whether a disc is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy offers effective relief and can help you regain strength and mobility without invasive measures. Our therapists will begin with a full assessment, pinpointing the exact cause of your pain to create a personalized recovery plan. Your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
Ice and heat therapies for pain management
Traction to gently relieve pressure on spinal discs
Advanced techniques like Class IV laser therapy or TENS for targeted relief
Education on posture and safe lifting to prevent future injuries
Our goal is to help you heal naturally, minimizing the need for medications or surgery. Physical therapy is a holistic approach designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support your body’s healing process.
Ready to Feel Better?
A herniated disc can be painful, but recovery is within reach. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy, even avoiding surgery. We’re here to strengthen your back or neck, support your recovery, and help you avoid future injury.
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your back pain and get you back to doing the things you love.
