Osteopathy and Headaches
Tension headaches will often start in the neck or base of the skull and spread to involve the entire head and eyes. They may be unilateral or bilateral in nature. If severe, they can lead to migraine symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity and dizziness.
Osteopathy is an effective treatment option for people suffering from headaches and migraines.
A common cause of headaches is tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back leading to:
• compression of the joints
• muscular spasm
• congestion
• nerve irritation
Through a hands-on approach osteopathy is able to relieve these tensions by taking stress off the muscles and joints, improving circulation and lymphatic flow and decreasing nerve irritation.
Some other causes of headaches that osteopathy may be able to assist with include:
• Sinus congestion
• Whiplash injuries
• Stress
• Postural issues
• Jaw pain or teeth grinding
In addition to providing relief, osteopathic manual practitioners are also trained to recognize the varying causes of headaches that may have a more serious nature and require referral to another professional.