Headaches

Headaches are very common. In fact, most of us will have had a headache at some time in our life.

 

Some headaches are a sign of something more serious and potentially dangerous occurring in the body. As osteopaths, we can refer you to the right person if we are concerned there may be something sinister going on.

 

However, most headaches are harmless. But they can be very debilitating for people who are suffering them regularly. We want to dispel some myths about headaches and their treatment.

 

There are two main types of common headaches – namely, Migraines and Tension Headaches.

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Migraines

The cause of migraines is still unclear. They may be neurological, or possibly due to changes in blood flow to the brain lining. Migraines are a very specific form of headache, and the term is banded about much too often both by medical and non-medical people. A migraine IS NOT a very bad headache.

 

There is medication that is very effective for the prevention and relief of migraines.

 

The jury is out about whether migraines can be helped by manual therapy. It could be argued that if a migraine is responding to manual therapy, then it was probably just a very severe tension headache. This is important because good treatment of tension headaches can lead to long-term resolution, not just short-term band-aids.

 

Migraine symptoms include:

• Headache lasting from as little as 4 and as long as 72 hours

• Pulsating or throbbing pain, often on one side of your head

• Headache that is increasingly worse when you’re active

• Nausea and vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light and noise

• Lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting

 

Tension Headaches (and the missing link):

Tension headaches can feel like a vice around your head. Many people just pop painkillers like they are lollies to cope with their chronic pain. However, there are severe risks associated with long-term use of drugs like neurofen. Most therapists treat tension headaches by massaging the neck and shoulders. However, tension headaches almost always involve the jaw (TMJ). If a therapist is not treating your jaw, then they are only giving a band-aid solution for your headaches!

 

Jaw problems

• Muscular pain or tension

• Eyestrain or other eye problems

• Allergies

• Arthritis

• Diet

• High blood pressure

• Hormonal influences

• Excessive noise

• Stress

 

We see dozens of people who seek headache treatment in Melbourne every week. Many individuals think that they have to live with such annoying pain. Yet with well-targeted treatment, and some simple easy-to-follow advice, they achieve lasting relief within 2-4 sessions with our headache treatment techniques at ReachHealth.