Headaches
Head pain is a very common problem and has many causative factors. Rarely is it severe and the majority of cases can be put down to tension-type headaches or migraines. Less commonly, but just as disturbing, are headaches caused by a problem in the neck known as cervicogenic headaches.
Tension-type headaches
These are so called because they feel like a band of pressure around the forehead, not necessarily caused by tension in the muscles as most people think. Undoubtedly, stress has a lot to do with them and often people find that they ease when on holiday or after a particularly stressful period in their life has passed. Any irritation in the muscles and joints of the neck can make the symptoms worse and create a vicious cycle of pain-induced muscle spasm.
Cervicogenic headaches
These are headaches solely caused by a disturbance in the neck. Whether due to an injury of some sort or simply a build of irritation from desk work or poor posture, these headaches can be disabling until the cause is removed. This is where the osteopath’s palpation (developed sense of touch) is essential in finding the areas of dysfunction in your neck.
By gently relieving these mechanical factors, as well as giving exercise and lifestyle advice we can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches, and in the case of cervicogenic headaches, relieve them completely.
