Headaches ⚡️😣
Why does it hurt so bad? Why do I feel so sad
Whitney Houston
Headaches can be brutal. They affect up to 40% of the population, more common in females than males and range in quality, frequency and severity. Let’s talk about some of the different types of headaches and how an Osteopath can help with your symptoms and provide strategies to reduce the frequency of headaches.
Most of us have experienced a headache from dehydration. On a hot day, when we’ve been very active, even the day after a rambunctious night imbibing alcohol with friends. This one is easy to sort out. Increase your fluids, maybe have some hydralyte and you’ll be good to go in no time.
Tension type headaches have the characteristic feeling of a band of pressure around your head, like something is squeezing it. Stress is a big factor as well as tension in your neck and jaw muscles. Osteopaths will work on the muscles in your jaw, neck, shoulders and spine to help reduce tension and improve blood flow to these areas.
A headache caused by dysfunction of the top 3 vertebrae in the neck is called a cervicogenic headache. It can happen when these joints are stiff, stuck or the muscles connecting to these vertebrae are so tight they affect the range of motion of these vertebrae. An osteopath will work on improving movement of these top 3 vertebrae, reducing tension in muscles and ligaments attaching to these vertebrae. We also find there is some sort of jaw dysfunction involved, so expect some work on your jaw too.
Migraines are a bit more on the severe end of the scale and is usually accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound as well as visual disturbances. The causes of migraines are not well understood, but it is thought that there is involvement of both the peripheral and central nervous system. There is also a strong genetic component. Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving circulation, reducing nerve irritation and addressing any postural issues or musculoskeletal imbalances that are contributing to the pain. There can be a hormonal component for females, but a recent study showed taking Vit E around the time of your cycle can help reduce their severity.
Ultimately, my goals when treating headaches is to correct any postural compensations, find and improve joint restrictions to improve range of motion which in turn will improve blood and fluid flow to the area to help settle and heal irritated tissues. I will take a holistic approach to your issue, looking not just at the symptomatic area but other parts of the body that are biomechanically related to it, as well as assessing the visceral system. We want to bring overall harmony to the body and optimise the body’s innate ability to heal.
If you’re suffering from headaches and having difficulty finding some relief, book in at The Dancing Osteo in Prahran for an assessment and treatment. You won’t be disappointed!
