Osteopathy
and Headaches
Headaches are one of
the most common medical complaints of civilised humanity, however severe headache
is only infrequently caused by serious underlying disease.
Common
Causes of Headache
Headache originating
from the neck is the most common type of headache. Other varied causes are eyestrain,
sinus disease, neck injury (eg. Whiplash), tension headache from stress, poor
posture, etc, migraines, jaw misalignment (eg. Following dental work).
There
are other more serious causes such as infection, haemorrhage and brain tumour.
Osteopaths,
as primary health care practitioners, are trained to differentiate between headaches
with common causes and those due to serious pathology.
Mechanism
of Tension Headaches
A common presentation
with headache is an increase in the muscular tension at the base of the skull
with pain locally and possibly referred to the forehead and eye area. The tightened
muscles and joint restrictions (from poor posture, stress, injury etc) in the
upper neck, contribute to reduced mobility, and irritation of the local nerves
and blood vessels.
How Can Osteopathy
Help Someone With Headache?
An osteopath
is a primary health care practitioner with appropriate skill and knowledge to
assess your complaint and decide the most effective course of action.
Osteopaths
assess structural changes that may lead to immobility and dysfunction. They do
thorough physical examination, including observation and palpation, to form a
diagnosis.
An
Osteopath will Work Gently With Your Body to:
- Improve joint mobility (especially in the cervical spine).
- Reduce
muscular tension.
- Reduce nerve irritation.
- Improve
blood supply and drainage to and from the head and neck.
- Help
prevent future headaches with advice on posture, exercises and stretching.
- Provide
advice on improved ergonomic environment.
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Hacking Osteopathic Clinic 