Headaches

Finding out the cause of your headache is really important to make sure you are receiving the correct treatment. Our practitioners are skilled at assessing, diagnosing, and creating the best management plan to get you pain-free. This may include further referral to other medical practitioners or a treatment plan at Beyond. Education is power, if you suffer from headaches we have some simple classes of headaches that you can read about below, and for some, some of our favorite exercises to help. Of course, if you are unsure of why you have headaches you should book an appointment for further investigation.

Types of Headaches

Menopause/Hormonal

Hormonal headaches tend to occur in women pre-menstrually or during menopause, due to fluctuations in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body. These headaches can last 2-3 days, and are quite exhausting, as they may not be relieved by analgesic medications.

Neck Pain

Neck problems can lead to headaches due to inflammation and irritation of the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the affected area, which refers pain into the base of the skull, temple, or forehead. Neck pain and headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek osteopathic treatment, which aims to reduce muscle tension and inflammation and restore joint movement using massage, mobilisation, stretching, dry needling, and manipulation. We love chin tucks to help reduce tension in the neck.

Jaw Dysfunction

The muscles that move the jaw are closely related to the head and neck, and overuse due to grinding or clenching can lead to headaches. These may be similar to headaches related to neck pain or migraines, with pain on one side of the head, associated dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, and facial pain. Osteopathic, Physiotherapy and or Myotherapy treatment may be effective in reducing the severity and incidence of these headaches, but severe cases may require an orthodontic splint to prevent grinding/clenching in the first place. We have lots of clients that we help with jaw-related problems, a great simple exercise is this one to help reduce tension in the muscles around the jaw.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are very common, and are felt as a ‘vice-like’ or tight band around the head. They can occur in times of stress but are also related to activity, sleep patterns, postural problems, hunger, and eyestrain. Tension headaches are often relieved by analgesics or even alcohol (we do not recommend this), but relaxation and manual therapy such as Osteopathy, Physiotherapy or Myotherapy may be beneficial in long-term treatment and management. Try this lovely exercise using a foam roller to help release tension.

Sinusitis

Inflammation or congestion of the sinuses in the face and head creates pressure and pain that can be difficult to shift, and susceptible people tend to suffer most during the colder months and hayfever season. Gentle osteopathic, myotherapy or physiotherapy treatment may help relieve this type of headache by encouraging drainage of the sinuses and thus reducing pressure.

Migraine

Migraines occur due to sudden changes in the blood vessels supplying the brain. They are generally very severe and debilitating and may last several hours to a few days, typically affecting one side of the head. Associated symptoms such as a visual aura, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light/smell/sound are common. Experienced migraine sufferers tend to know what ‘triggers’ their migraine eg hormones, diet, and environment, so they may be able to predict or avoid them. Medication may be the most effective form of treatment, but the treatment of the neck, back, and jaw by an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Myotherapist may reduce the severity or duration of a migraine, and regular or ‘maintenance’ treatments may reduce the incidence of migraines in some people.

Dehydration

The reason that headaches arise due to dehydration is unclear, but may be due to changes to blood flow or electrolyte balance. They are obviously common in hot weather when we lose a lot of water to sweat, but air-conditioning and heating in the winter months can also dehydrate the body, so it is good to remember to drink plenty of water to prevent them.

Eyestrain

Overuse of the muscles around the eyes due to poor vision or inadequate use of corrective lenses can lead to headaches. If you notice a headache that develops after reading, driving or watching a TV or computer screen, it may be the result of eyestrain and should be checked by an optometrist. We love working with our local optometrists to get the best outcomes for our clients.

Cardiovascular

High or low blood pressure can lead to headaches, and if high blood pressure, in particular, is the issue, a GP can assess the need for relevant medication. Your osteopath or physiotherapist can check your blood pressure for you and will advise you whether you need to seek medical advice.