Many Australians rely on pain relief to get through their day when headaches strike.
But what if those same painkillers that once helped are now part of the problem? This is more common than people realise.
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) can develop when pain medication is taken too often. Instead of easing pain, it begins to fuel it.
My name is Kevin, and as a physiotherapist with a strong focus on headache and migraine management, I’ve seen many patients fall into this frustrating cycle, often without realising it.
The good news is, it can be reversed with the right support.
What Exactly Is a Medication Overuse Headache?
Medication Overuse Headache is a chronic headache caused by taking pain medication too frequently. It’s most common in people with migraines or tension-type headaches, but it can affect anyone.
Research shows that using pain relief two to three times per week can start contributing to this problem.
Common culprits include:
• Triptans
• Opiates
• Paracetamol
• Combination painkillers
• Ergotamine
• Caffeine-containing medications
Over time, the brain’s pain system becomes more sensitive. Headaches become more frequent, last longer and feel more intense.
Many people begin taking medication pre-emptively, out of fear of an attack, but notice it offers less relief each time.
The Vicious Cycle
Medication Overuse Headache often goes unnoticed because it mimics chronic migraine or tension headaches. People respond by taking even more medication, which worsens the pattern.
A typical cycle looks like this:
- Headache develops → medication is taken.
- Headache eases briefly → returns stronger or sooner.
- More medication is taken → sensitivity increases.
This ongoing pattern keeps the headache cycle alive and makes other treatments less effective.
How to Break the Cycle
The first step is awareness. When medication use is reduced or stopped (under medical supervision), headache frequency and intensity usually improve.
Once this happens, other treatments work far better, such as:
• Physiotherapy to address neck, shoulder and postural contributors.
• Stress management and relaxation to calm the nervous system.
• Gentle exercise to restore healthy movement and circulation.
• Education on posture, hydration and sleep to prevent recurrence.
Always consult your GP or pharmacist before changing medication use, as some drugs may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Take Control of Your Headaches
If you find yourself relying on painkillers just to get through the day, physiotherapy can help you break free.
In your first session, we will:
• Assess your neck, posture and movement patterns.
• Develop a tailored plan to reduce sensitivity and restore function.
• Support you in reducing medication reliance safely and effectively.
You don’t have to live in fear of your next headache.
Book a session today and start your journey toward long-term relief and better quality of life.
Written by:
References
Ashina, S. et al. (2023) ‘Medication overuse headache’, Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 9(1). doi:10.1038/s41572-022-00415-0.
Diener, H.-C. and Limmroth, V. (2004) ‘Medication-overuse headache: A worldwide problem’, The Lancet Neurology, 3(8), pp. 475–483. doi:10.1016/s1474-4422(04)00824-5.
Wakerley, B.R. (2019) ‘Medication-overuse headache’, Practical Neurology, 19(5), pp. 399–403. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2018-002048.
