Headaches & Migraines

Headaches & Migraines are common and there are several reasons for headaches. Most are not serious, but we know they are frustrating! The most common cause can be tension or strain in the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back.
The pain of a severe headache can force you into bed and stop you from doing anything, affecting your vision and strong lighting can hurt the eyes. Commonly you may experience pressure over the head, face and eyes, tiredness, a feeling of sickness and a blurry feeling in the skull. Causes of a headache can include poor posture, stress, trauma, dehydration, muscle spasm as well as tension in your neck.
Treatment from an osteopath may help. Gentle massage to the tight muscles and manipulation to loosen the joints of the neck, thorax and back can relieve the build-up of muscular tension that may lead to headaches. Osteopaths can also advise on exercise and lifestyle changes and offer guidance on simple changes to your posture when at work or driving which may help.

How We Can Help With Headaches & Migraines?

At Body Beliefs, we take a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnoses, treatment and prevention of headaches & migraines. We will gather information about your symptoms, relevant health and medical history, how the pain is impacting your daily activities and consider any ergonomic or environmental influences. We will then conduct a thorough osteopathic assessment and examination. This enables us to clearly explain what is causing your headaches & migraines, and why. We will then provide specialist, hands-on treatment, and offer exercises and advice to accelerate your recovery and prevent the problem from returning.

What Are The Possible Causes Of Headaches & Migraines?

There are different types of headaches these include:

• Tension headaches: These are caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, and scalp.
• Migraines: These are a type of headache that can cause severe pain, as well as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods.
• Cluster headaches: These are a type of headache that occur in clusters, and are characterized by severe pain around one eye or on one side of the head.
• Sinus headaches: These are caused by inflammation of the sinuses, which can be caused by an infection or allergies.

In most instances, headaches & migraines are not the result of serious damage or disease, but rather from tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This can be aggravated by:

• Poor Posture - Staying in one posture for too long, such as prolonged use of computers or mobile devices can lead to problems over time.
• Previous Injury - Previous traumas such as whiplash and sports injuries
• Stress -Headaches can be caused by tension in the upper back and neck as a result of both physical and emotional stress.
• Lifestyle - Headaches can be influenced by lifestyle choices such as exercise habits, diet, and sleep quality.

What Are The Symptoms Of Headaches & Migraines?

headaches & migraines can cause a variety of symptoms, including: pain or discomfort in the head, face, or neck; sensitivity to light or sound; nausea or vomiting; and difficulty concentrating. Some people also experience auras, which are visual disturbances such as flashing lights or blind spots. The severity and duration of headaches & migraines can vary greatly, and different types of headaches can have different symptoms.

How We Treat Headaches & Migraines?

When it comes to treating headaches & migraines, we at Body Beliefs use a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve function. These may include physical manipulation of the spine and other joints, mobilisation, stretching, soft tissue massage, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. We will work closely with you to identify any underlying causes of the pain and address them through hands-on treatment, lifestyle changes and advice.

At Body Beliefs, we pride ourselves on "exceeding expectations", as evidenced by the glowing 5-star reviews from our satisfied patients on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook. To schedule an appointment, please book online or call 01277 676 676.