Headache and migraine Osteopathic treatment

Osteopathy can help provide relief following a migraine as well as help with the frequency of migraines in some cases. Following a migraine most people have to lay down for extended periods of time in a dark room and some even throw up. This combined with the tightening of muscle due to pain can lead to muscle aches and pain and restricted movement of the head, neck and shoulder following a migraine. Osteopaths can help address these issues with a wide range of techniques. Osteopaths can also work with migraine sufferers to ensure optimal function of the neck and head ensuring appropriate blood flow to these regions and helping minimise possible triggers.

Osteopathy is very effective at treating many types of headaches particularly those that have muscle or biomechanics causes. Headaches can commonly be triggered by poor posture, recruitment of the wrong muscles for movement and breathing as well as restricted joints in the neck. For headaches that are associated with stress, osteopaths can help influence the parts of the spine responsible for fight, fright and flight, great for relaxing the nervous system, promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.

Osteopathy can be an effective treatment option for the management of tension type headaches to reduce pain and reduce their chance of reoccurrence. Our osteopaths address the underlying cause of pain. It is important like with any painful issues to seek help as soon as possible to avoid chronic issues or sensitisation.

Having poor biomechanics of your spine or it being held in abnormal positions due to muscular imbalances can cause headaches. Since your spine houses your spinal cord and provides points for your nerves to branch out and supply your tissues, if it isn't in the correct position it can cause problems such as misaligned joints of the spine irritating the nerve cause pain, altered sensations, headaches and even pins and needles. Our osteopaths carefully assess the spine to determine if it is causing or contributing to your headaches and perform techniques such as joint manipulation, stretching and soft tissue mobilisation to reduce points of nerve irritation.