headache relief.
HEADACHE? LET US FIND THE CAUSE AND GET YOU ON THE PATH TO RECOVERY.
CERVICOGENIC
There are 3 types of headaches that often have some relationship you’re your neck. These are Migraine, Tension Type and Cervicogenic headaches. The most common being cervicogenic headache.
Cervicogenic headaches are head pain which is caused by referral from musculoskeletal structures in your neck. This can be a muscle, joint, ligament or disc etc.
These structures can refer pain into your head, face and eyes giving you all the classic signs of a headache. It is usual to notice an increase of symptoms on neck activity or a tightness/decrease in neck range of motion with a cervicogenic headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches are most commonly one sided and can cause symptoms into the base of skull, eyes, forehead, temple or top of skull regions.
Depending on the intensity, this type of headache is commonly mistaken for migraine as some features are common
TENSION
Tension headaches are headaches related to tightness or tension in the muscles of the face, jaw and neck. With tension headaches it is common to experience a band like pressure around your whole head and symptoms tend to be felt on both sides.
Tension type headaches can be extremely uncomfortable and can last for up to a few days. In rare cases these types of headaches can persist for much longer periods of time.
Due to the high importance of this area, the biomechanics of the jaw, face and neck are extremely complex. This area is ultimately responsible for keeping us alive as humans (eating, drinking, breathing, communicating).
As this area is so readily used, occasionally we can develop certain patterns in its use which may lead to pain. Our osteopaths understand the local mechanics of this area in depth. We can help you understand the reason for your tension type headache and give you the treatment and advice you need to recover.
MIGRAINE
Migraines are quite a distinctive type of headache which are most commonly one sided and associated with photophobia, phono phobia and aura.
There are lots of potential triggers for migraines and it is good attempt to identify these in order to prevent future flare ups. This can range from lifestyle factors, foods, drinks, muscle tensions etc.
Manual treatment is ineffective in treating an active migraine. There is lots of research however detailing the use of manual techniques in order to prevent future flare ups. This is accomplished by addressing any undue tensions through the neck, upper back and shoulders and advising on lifestyle, sleep and diet factors which may contribute to the symptoms.
SCREENING
Headaches can be complex and may be concerning. You can take reassurance that most headaches are usually benign and respond to conservative interventions. There are however some headaches which may need to be looked at by specialists outside of our practice.
Our osteopaths continue to learn and train to ensure we use the most up to date clinical testing to screen for any concerning symptoms. At Hardiman Performance we always make sure that our patients get the best care, so if we cannot personally help you with your headache, we will make sure that you see the right person who can.
If you have a headache that you would like our opinion on how we may be able to help you can contact us by calling 01582 318980.
