Osteopathy for Headaches and Migraines: Finding Relief Beyond Painkillers
Target keywords: osteopathy for headaches, migraine relief Hungerford, tension headache treatment Berkshire
If headaches are a regular feature of your week, you are far from alone. They are one of the most common reasons people seek help in our Hungerford clinic, and one of the most rewarding to treat, because so many headaches have a mechanical component that responds well to hands-on care.
Not all headaches are the same
Tension-type headaches often feel like a tight band across the forehead or pressure behind the eyes, and frequently link back to tension in the neck, jaw and shoulders. Cervicogenic headaches are referred from the joints and muscles of the neck itself, often starting at the base of the skull and creeping forwards. Migraines are a neurological condition in their own right, but neck tension, poor sleep and stress are well-recognised triggers that can increase how often they strike.
Long hours at a screen, driving, clenching your jaw, stress and previous whiplash-type injuries all contribute. Sound familiar? For most desk-based people in Berkshire, at least one of those boxes gets ticked daily.
How we approach headache care
A detailed case history to identify your headache type and rule out anything that needs onward referral
Gentle treatment of the neck, upper back, shoulders and jaw to release tension and improve movement
Cranial osteopathy, a subtle approach many patients find deeply relaxing
Advice on workstation setup, posture habits, hydration, sleep and stress
Simple exercises to keep tension from rebuilding between appointments
What you can expect
Many people notice their headaches become less frequent and less intense within a few sessions, particularly with tension-type and neck-related headaches. For migraine sufferers, the aim is usually to reduce the mechanical triggers, which for many people means fewer episodes and a calmer neck between them.
Painkillers have their place, but they only mask the signal. If you are taking them more weeks than not, it is worth finding out what your body is actually trying to tell you. A thorough assessment is the best place to start.
Tired of reaching for the painkillers? Book an appointment at Laura Fishlock Osteopathy and let us look at what is really driving your headaches.
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