Headache Treatment

Headache treatment Warwick and Leamington Spa

Headache treatment – Warwick & Leamington Spa

Headaches can be physically and emotionally debilitating. They can severely affect concentration, vision, sleep and the ability to properly focus. Osteopathic headache treatment can gently alleviate and prevent re-occurrence of many types of headache.

Common headaches fall into several categories, some of which are more amenable to osteopathic treatment than others.

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, often caused by a build up of stress and tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw.  People usually feel a constant ache on both sides of their head as if a tight band is stretched around it or a deep stabbing pain at the base of the skull.

Tension headaches last for 30 minutes to several hours, but can last as long as several days. They can be caused or made worse by stress, poor posture, jaw clenching and dehydration. ✔Osteopathy can help 

★★★★★ “Emma has been absolutely fantastic — I truly can’t recommend her highly enough! I’ve been seeing her to help with tension headaches caused by chronic neck pain, and have seen significant improvements. From my very first appointment, she was reassuring, insightful, and incredibly supportive. The exercises she’s provided have made a real difference, and she’s always flexible and accommodating when scheduling sessions”  O.M.  (Automotive Industry)

Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headaches are usually one-sided headaches affecting the back of the head and neck. They can be accompanied by neck pain, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision and difficulties swallowing. They are caused by restrictions or injury affecting the joints of the neck which refer pain to the head. ‘Cervicogenic’ literally means originating from the neck. ✔Osteopathy can help

★★★★★ “I had terrible neck pain and awful headaches along with a lot of tension in my shoulders. I had done everything I could try and settle my problem with anti-inflammatories, panadol and heat packs. Emma performed a thorough assessment and thens spent some time treating my symptoms. Her approach during the treatment was gentle, however, she also treats with a purposeful strength that really worked wonders on my aching muscles and joints. There was some improvement immediately in the first session. With the exercises (shown to me by Emma and sent digitally) and another therapy session a week later I was sorted. M.H. (Retired)

Migraines

Migraines are one-sided, throbbing headaches affecting the front or side of the head. They can last from hours to days, and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience an ‘aura’ or flashing lights before the migraine starts. It is thought that various triggers can affect the neurological and blood supply to the brain, leading to migraines. Triggers usually include one or more of the following:

  • Emotional –  stress, anxiety, depression ✔Osteopathy can help
  • Physical – lack of sleep, postural issues, neck and shoulder tension ✔Osteopathy can help
  • Hormonal – eg. around the time of menstruation ✘ Osteopathy can’t help
  • Dietary – alcohol, irregular meals, caffeine, specific foods ✘ Osteopathy can’t help
  • Environmental – bright lights, screens, smoke, weather changes ✘ Osteopathy can’t help
  • Medication – sleeping tablets, combined contraceptive, HRT  ✘ Osteopathy can’t help

How can Osteopathy Help with Headaches?

An osteopath will determine what sort of headache you are getting and whether osteopathy can help. We would usually focus treatment around the head, neck and upper spine and include massage, articulation, mobilisation and cranial techniques. Read more about osteopathic treatment.

When is Osteopathy not a suitable headache treatment?

As well as the triggers for migraine labelled in red above, there are several other less common types of headache where Osteopathic treatment is not suitable. These include: cluster headaches, hypertension headaches, trigeminal neuralgia and temporal arteritis, and require medical advice. Headaches can also be caused by more serious underlying conditions.  If your headache started after a blow to the head or you have prolonged disorientation, confusion or dizziness it is important to seek immediate medical help.

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