Headaches and Migraine
Osteopathy recognizes the interconnectedness of the body systems. Osteopaths understand that headaches and migraines can be influenced by factors beyond the musculoskeletal system.
For instance, they may consider how stress, poor sleep, visceral complaints/ gut health, foot restriction, TMJ disorder or hormonal imbalances can contribute to these conditions.
THE CAUSES OF HEADACHES, THEY CAN BE MULTIFACTORIAL. SOME COMMON CAUSES INCLUDES:
- Tension and muscle tightness: hunched posture, prolonged sitting, Tightness in the sub-occipital muscles can lead to headache and eye pain.
- Structural imbalances: Misalignments in the spine, particularly in the neck and upper back, can result from scoliosis, trauma, poor posture, or degenerative changes.
- Jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction: Problems with the jaw joint and associated muscles can cause headaches, especially in the temples or behind the eyes. It can be a result of clenching or grinding teeth, jaw misalignment, or dental issues.
- Vascular issues: Certain types of headaches, such as migraines, can be related to vascular changes, including dilation or constriction of blood vessels in the brain and impaired lymphatic drainage. Osteopathic techniques, including craniosacral therapy and lymphatic drainage, can promote the removal of metabolic waste and toxins.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly in women during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger headaches or migraines.
- Environmental triggers: Certain factors, such as bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or changes in weather patterns.
- Stress and emotional factors: Emotional stress, anxiety, and tension can contribute to the development and exacerbation of headaches.
Types of headache and how osteopathy can help?
1. Tension headaches: Tension headaches are one of the most common types and are often associated with muscular tension and stress. Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, myofascial release, and postural correction can help alleviate the underlying causes of tension headaches.
2. Migraines: Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, or smells, nausea, and visual disturbances. Osteopathic treatments aim to improve blood and CSF flow, release muscle tension, improve TMJ disorder, improve cranium mobility.
3. Cervicogenic headache: Cervicogenic headaches are caused by referred pain from structures in the neck, such as the joints, muscles, or nerves. Osteopathy can be effective in managing cervicogenic headaches by identifying and addressing the underlying musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the neck.
4. Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. Dysfunction or abnormalities in the hypothalamus may contribute to the onset of cluster headache episodes. It is triggered by the activation of the trigeminal autonomic reflex, which leads to the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain in the blood vessels around the brain.
5. Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are often associated with sinus infections or inflammation. Osteopathic techniques can help relieve sinus headaches by improving the drainage of the sinuses through gentle manipulation and techniques aimed at improving lymphatic flow.
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Hear What Our Customers Have to Say!"
Tara Chowdhry
Had a wonderful experience with the osteopath. She is very knowledgeable, experienced and gets to the root of the issue that needs treatment in a very direct, gentle and effective way. I could notice some immediate results a few days after treatment. It’s an ongoing process in which there are life changes she guides you to adjust in order to support the treatment and I am feeling very positive about the progress we are making. If you have any neck and head related issues or headaches, I strongly suggest getting an assessment and beginning this process.
Timothy Liew
Had tension headaches that kept recurring frequently. The sessions really helped to destress and release tension from my shoulders and neck area. With the exercises suggested, my headaches have lessened in frequency and severity!!
Business owner
Bhavna maheshwari
I went to Dr Shruti for chronic pain in my shin and for headaches. She has a very peaceful persona, which immediately calms your agitated painful self. A very good listener, she gently treats and diagnose the root cause of the pain or problem area.Each session of 45 mins with her was like treating myself with love.I would highly recommend her and osteopathy to anyone looking for non-invasive, non-medicinal approach of treatment.