70% of headaches are related to tension in your neck and shoulders.
Many people do not realise that osteopaths treat headaches and migraines, and why would they?
However it is estimated that roughly 70% of headaches occur because they are related to musculoskeletal issues in the neck and upper back. Many people end up on the merry-go-round of using painkillers and undergoing various consultations both with their GP and specialists but quite often there can be a relatively simple answer. This testimonial is from a lady from Tideswell is fairly typical.
“I have had headaches for over 20 years and they have got steadily worse with time. Gradually there has been more and more pain and they have become more frequent until they have occasionally become more like migraines. I would have at least a couple of migraines a week with a constant headache in between. I did not take days off because of the migraines as I only work part time. This was difficult as sometimes the migraines were so unpleasant that I would vomit”
“Over the years I have tried all sorts of medications including beta-blockers, different triptans, amytripyline and at one point even became mildly addicted to codeine. I have had three lots of physiotherapy and a coil fitted to address my hormone profile. I had thought it might be a more mechanical issue involving my neck and shoulders and I finally decided to do something about it. After 5 osteopathy treatments I now have a very mild headache and I have had one migraine in the last 5 weeks.”
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.
