Headaches

Headaches are very common and there are several different types so at Emsworth Osteopaths we will ask questions to distinguish whether it is a headache appropriate for us to treat or whether we need to refer you onwards.   Fortunately, most are not serious and we have really good results in those types of headache that are treatable with osteopathy or acupuncture. These types are migraine headache, tension headache or cervicogenic headaches caused by the neck.

In our treatment of headaches at Emsworth Osteopaths we consider what may be contributing to your headaches and address this as part of treatment, for example:-

  • Poor posture - rounded shoulders and neck tilted back will shorten neck muscles making them tense
  • Stress - causes muscle tension, jaw clenching, poor posture
  • Impact exercise - e.g running can be jarring and cause joint restrictions
  • Road biking - crouched over with your neck arched backwards for long periods
  • Dehydration - stay hydrated, especially when exercising and in hot weather

Causes of headache

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Eye strain
  • Tension - muscle tightness
  • Cervicogenic - referred from the neck
  • Migraines
  • Poor posture
  • Tiredness
  • Dehydration
  • Diet - skipping meals or lack of nutrients
  • Lack of exercise
  • Exercise related
  • Post trauma or injury
  • Drugs or medication over-use - rebound headaches from using painkillers
  • Other - viruses can cause headaches as well as other illnesses and health problems

Headache diary

Try to identify the triggers by keeping a log of the following:-

  • Where is the pain - base of skull, front of head, face, temporal
  • Type of pain - dull ache, throbbing, "vice-like"
  • How often - daily, weekly, monthly
  • How long they last - hours, days
  • Triggers - alcohol, caffeine, poor sleep, computer use, driving
  • How bad are they - mild, moderate or severe
  • Symptoms - blurred vision, dots in your eyes, change if smell, nausea, dizzy