Experience the Benefits of OSTEOPATHY
Do you live with constant headaches and migraines?
We Focus on Addressing the Root Cause of Your Pain for Lasting Relief
Headaches and migraines are common conditions experienced by people of all ages. Headache symptoms may include mild and recurring tension headaches or more severe and debilitating migraines, to potentially life-threatening headaches associated with meningitis.
Osteopathy for Headache and Migraine Relief
Osteopathy treatments can help alleviate common types of headaches, including:
- Tension Headaches
- Sinus Headaches
- Cluster Headaches
- Migraines
Experience Lasting Relief, Reduced Frequency, and Lower Intensity of Headaches and Migraines
Can Osteopathy Help Headaches and Migraines?
Headaches are often triggered by stress originating from the neck and shoulders, poor posture, dehydration and jaw pain, to name a few.
Osteopathy offers effective relief for individuals experiencing common types of headaches, including tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. By employing targeted manual techniques to address musculoskeletal tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate associated triggers, osteopathy can help promote lasting relief and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
Along with structural and cranial treatment, we can help you identify triggers to your headaches and establish strategies that can help you cope between your osteopathic treatments.
Common Types of Headaches
Four common types of headaches include:
- Tension Headaches
- Sinus Headaches
- Cluster Headaches
- Migraine Headaches
Learn more about these types of headaches below, including their symptoms and how osteopathy can help relieve headache and migraine pain.
Tension Headaches
The most common headache that present in the clinic is cervicogenic or tension headache associated with neck tension sometimes radiating into the shoulders and to the base of the skull. This type of headache is commonly related to prolonged periods of sitting at a computer or desk and can be relieved with gentle techniques aimed at releasing these tensions allowing for improved range of motion and enhanced circulation to the head.
Symptoms: Tension headaches are often characterized by a constant dull pain that may feel like a band is tightening around the head. The discomfort is usually bilateral and may radiate from the neck or shoulders. Individuals experiencing tension headaches often report a sensation of pressure or tightness in the forehead.
Treatment: Manual osteopath techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and gentle mobilization of the neck and shoulders may help to release muscle tension, improve your overall body mechanics, and reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches.
Sinus Headaches
Symptoms: Sinus headaches are associated with inflammation of the sinuses and are often accompanied by sinus congestion. Individuals may experience a deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose. The discomfort is typically worsened by head movement and may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial tenderness, and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
Treatment: Osteopathic interventions can help address sinus headaches by enhancing fluid drainage and promoting optimal function of the respiratory and facial structures. Gentle techniques applied to the cranial and facial regions, combined with sinus-specific approaches, may help to relieve congestion and minimize discomforts associated with sinus headaches.
Cluster Headaches
Symptoms: Cluster headaches are intense and often described as excruciatingly sharp or burning pain. They occur in cyclical patterns or “clusters,” with individuals experiencing multiple headaches in a day, week, or month, followed by periods of remission. Cluster headaches are typically unilateral and may be accompanied by symptoms such as redness and tearing of the eye, nasal congestion, and restlessness.
Treatment: Osteopathy takes into consideration the intricate connections between different body systems, including the nervous system. Through targeted manual therapies, osteopaths aim to modulate neural pathways and enhance overall nervous system function, potentially providing relief for individuals suffering from cluster headaches.
Migraines
Symptoms: Migraines are characterized by a throbbing or pulsating pain, often experienced on one side of the head. This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Individuals may also experience visual disturbances, which can include flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines. Migraines can last for hours to days and are often preceded by warning signs in some individuals.
Treatment: Osteopathic treatments can play a role in managing migraines by addressing contributing factors such as muscle tension, joint mobility, and circulatory issues. Techniques that focus on improving blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and optimizing the alignment of the spine may help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Osteopathy is a Safe and Effective Form of Treatment for Headaches and Migraines
Osteopathic Treatment
Treatment for headaches and migraines begins with a thorough case history and assessment of your lifestyle and specific symptoms to determine the underlying cause of your pain. Your Osteopath Practitioner will conduct specific tests and discuss your treatment options.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
After a complete assessment, your Osteopath practitioner will provide you with an individualized treatment program, which may include a combination of manual therapies, lifestyle recommendations, and patient education. Your plan may also include stretches and exercises you can perform from the comfort of your own home, so you can remain proactive during your recovery. In some cases, a referral to a specialist may be required.
Your First Treatment
During your first appointment, your practitioner will aim to provide gentle manual treatment to help alleviate your symptoms of pain and discomfort.