Headaches are commonly experienced by Australians, with 1 in 20 adults suffering from some form of headache every single day. Whilst some headaches are only mild and can easily go away after a short period of time, some people experience seriously debilitating headaches that make it difficult to function.
Many people seek over-the-counter medication to treat their headache, however, an over reliance on medications can lead to negative health implications. Did you know that osteopathic techniques, such as manual therapy and exercise can help reduce both the tension and severity of common headaches? It’s vital to have an initial comprehensive assessment of your presenting pain to work out what is causing the problem and then find a tailored treatment solution.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Excel Body & Health today.
Common Types of Headaches
Cervicogenic Headache
This type of headache is generally caused from pent up tension and stress in the upper regions of your neck. Activities that can induce this type of physiological stress can be in the form of slouching over your desk, poor posture, frequent technology-use (e.g., looking down at your phone for extended periods), as well as traumatic events such as whiplash. So, what are some of the signs of a cervicogenic headache? Usually, this type of headache will present as a one-sided steady, non-throbbing pain at the base of the skull, the forehead, and behind the eyes and brows.
Tension Type Headaches
This type of headache falls in the mild category and can often be described as a “vice-like” band around the head and typically feels worse at the end of the day. A tension headache is usually caused from poor posture, exacerbations in stress, jaw clenching, or holding one position for an extensive period of time.
Sinus Headache
This headache is usually caused from a build-up of mucus in the sinus region. As such, due to this pressure, this can cause pain in areas located around the front of the face or front of the head. Sinus headaches may be caused from a recent nasal infection or blockage in this region of the body.
Migraine
A migraine can present as a more severe type of pain and can often be debilitating to your functioning. It is said that approximately 10-15% of the population will experience migraines, which are a common neurological disorder. Migraines aren’t individual in the way they present, as they can be felt in many different positions and at different severities.
Currently, there are no direct known causes for migraines, however, there are many speculated factors that contribute to them. Some of these contributing factors include stress, impaired sleep, certain medicines, alcohol, different foods, smoking, hormonal fluctuations, head trauma and more. Are you wondering if you’ve ever had a migraine? Migraines can present as a throbbing or pulsating headache that can start off one-sided and last between 4-72 hours.
Osteopathy for Headaches
Osteopathy is an excellent holistic treatment option for headache sufferers. Headaches that are primarily caused from muscle tension or joint strain typically respond well to osteopathic treatment. At Excel Body & Health, we are a team of experienced practitioners who will ensure thorough assessment, treatment and management of your headaches or migraines. No headache is the same, therefore, you’ll receive an individualised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Common Osteopathic Treatment
Common osteopathic treatment options for headaches include soft tissue management, muscle energy techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, articulation, manipulation, dry needling, taping and/or exercise prescription. All of these treatment options can help to reduce muscle tension in regions that provoke headaches and pain.
You may also be interested in the techniques used by osteos, read it here.
Book Your Osteopathy Appointment
Whilst headaches are commonly experienced, don’t let yourself endure extended periods of pain that can be eased through osteopathic treatment. There are many different forms of headaches, such as cervicogenic headaches, sinus headaches, tension-type headaches or even migraines.
If you’ve resonated with anything while reading this article, why not get in touch with our team at Excel Body & Health? Even if you’re simply seeking some extra information, our team can help point you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to book an osteo appointment today to receive a comprehensive assessment (and potential treatment) of your headache or migraine concern!
