Headaches

There are several reasons for headaches. Most are not serious and once the cause is established headaches can often be helped by simple changes in lifestyle. One cause can be tension or strain in the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back.

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. Acupuncture has also been viewed as effective for migrane and tension-type headaches (TTHs) compared to conventional treatments, with fewer side affects. NICE guidelines have approved acupunture for both of these conditions. Talk to your osteopath about adding medical acupuncture to your treatment.

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. For more info see the Institute for Osteopathy, IO.