Osteopathy for Headaches, migraine and dizziness

Because headaches are so common, some people think they are a normal part of life. Taking painkillers might give some relief from your headaches, but they do not address the cause of the problem. It is important to note that the level of head pain is no indication as to the severity of the problem.

Headaches are common but they are not normal. There are many types of headaches: tension headaches are often associated with our hectic lifestyle and stress; migraines can be very debilitating and disturbing; sometimes there is no headache to speak of, but symptoms may include visual and hearing disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, even vomiting. Pain can be experienced at the base of the skull, the surface of the head or the face and eyes and can be on one or both sides of your head.

Mechanical stress in the form of poorly functioning neck joints can affect the nerves of the face, head and neck and when spinal nerves and associated tissues are stretched or irritated they can produce throbbing headaches.

Emotional stress can increase muscular tension, especially at the base of the neck, head and jaw, irritating nerves and upsetting blood flow to the brain, causing headaches.

The priority for your osteopath is to accurately diagnose your headache to ensure that there is no sinister underlying cause. In the vast majority of cases, headaches can be attributed to a mechanical dysfunction and can therefore be treated successfully. Recommendations for your future care to try and avoid recurrence of the problem by adopting some simple changes in your posture and other tips, prove invaluable time and time again.