Headaches occur when the pain nerves in the head are irritated.
We most commonly see people with the Tension Headache Type, which is usually associated with tension and inflammation in the upper neck or scalp. The next most common is Migraine, which is an intense headache usually one sided and sometimes with sensory disturbance (an aura).
Other common causes: eyestrain, alcohol and other toxins, sinus, stress, whiplash, jaw issues, sleep issues and poor posture.
What can you do about it?
Because most headaches are from an accumulation of factors it is helpful to reflect on what was happening when the headache started and in the previous day. (some of these factors may seem innocent such as falling asleep on the couch).
Check the tension in the upper neck and do the head balance exercise from the website. https://qso.co.nz/exercises
Also relax go for a walk in the fresh air or drink some water.
How can osteopathy help?
- Listen to you and the story of your head pain to find what factors are contributing
- Examine your physical body to see what restrictions are hampering the return to health.
- Reduce muscular tension, nerve compression and inflammation.
- Improve general mobility of our neck and upper back.
- Advise on posture, exercise and stretching to help prevent recurrence of symptoms
- Advise on the way you are using your body at work or home or when exercising.
- Differentiate between headaches with common causes and those due to something more serious and refer to another health professional.
- The Cranial Osteopathic techniques are very helpful in treating head pain.
- Most of the simple headaches can be significantly eased in 1 to 3 treatments.