Headaches and Migraines

It is highly likely that most people have suffered from a headache or migraine, as there are so many forms and so many causes.

However, the common denominator is that muscular tension and joint stiffness in the neck are usually present. Most pain we experience is from irritated nerve endings in inflamed and tight muscles, so when we experience headache it is generally from muscles of the face, head, neck, and shoulders. Other factors such as high blood pressure, menstrual cycle, emotional stress, sinus congestion and dehydration can further increase the likelihood and intensity of headaches.

Osteopaths can reduce the muscular tension and joint stiffness in the neck, which can have both immediate and long-term headache relief. Osteopaths will go a step further and search for the reasons behind the neck stiffness, which often is a result of repetitive postures causing upper back and shoulder restriction, ultimately increasing pressure on the neck.