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Headaches, we all have had one at some point; but did you know there are different types? As an Osteopath I treat headaches daily and in this blog I’ll explain a few of the different types, handy tips on avoiding getting certain headaches and how our Melbourne Osteopaths can help you.

Types? I thought a headache was a headache.

This is a misconception, a headache can vary in presentation depending on the cause and type. The main types I’ll be discussing are Cervicogenic Headaches, Tension Headaches and Migraines.

Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches are very common and are caused by tension or tightness in the neck muscles. The tightness in the neck muscles can begin at the base of the neck and shoulders and can travel up to the base of the skull. The headache presents in a ‘rams horn’ distribution starting at the base of the skull and can curl around the sides of the skull to behind the eyes. The headache can feel like a throbbing or constant ache and relief is felt when the neck is stretched.

Osteopathic treatment: This is the most common headache Osteopaths treat, after appropriate assessments an Osteopath can use safe manual therapy techniques to loosen of problematic muscles, release the joints of the neck and balance the skull to decrease tension.

Tension Headache: These headaches are caused by primarily by stress. Stressors include: lack of sleep, emotional stress, mental health stress, and poor diet. They present as tenderness and tightness in a ‘visor’ like distribution around the front of the head. These headaches can come on suddenly and last for 30 mins to several hours with little relieving factors.

Osteopathic treatment: These headaches are tricky as it’s not easy to tell a suffer to stop stressing; but the good news is Osteopaths are holistic, we are trained to educate suffers on how to avoid the triggers in systematic and rational ways. Such ways include having a sleep routine before bed, hydrating well throughout the day and performing Osteopathic manual techniques that calm down nervous system to provide an opportunity for the body to restore its normal function.  

Migraines: These headaches are characteristically different to the any other. These headaches can begin with an aura or sensory disturbances lasting 5-60 minutes, about 1 in 3 migraine sufferers will experience this. These include: seeing lights and colours, photosensitivity, feelings of dizziness and nausea, confusion and decreased ability to speak. A migraine presents as constant and intense throbbing on one side of the head and can last up to three days. It’s a life long condition that has no cure.

Osteopathic treatment: It’s important for Osteopaths to diagnose the trigger to migraines, they can be stress and anxiety, hormonal imbalances, foods and medications, bright lights and loud noises. Further testing and liaison with your GP might be appropriate to ensure nothing else is causing the migraine. Osteopaths can perform gentle and safe manual therapy to try and balance the tension in your body, this may reduce the frequency of attacks.

Our Melbourne Osteopaths at City Osteopathy are experienced with headache sufferers. We perform the appropriate orthopedic testing and take a thorough history to ensure you are diagnosed correctly. Don’t hesitate to book in today and get the relief you deserve.

Dr Stephanie Norton-Smith