A migraine is a particularly severe form of headache that usually involves a throbbing pain on one side of the head. We have found osteopathic techniques to be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines.
Causes
Migraines are thought to be caused by a complex series of events that affect the nerves in the head and then the blood vessels. There are many factors that can trigger a migraine, including:
- Stress
- Not sleeping well
- Smoking
- Head or neck injury
- Exposure to bright lights
- Changes in hormone levels
- Nutritional allergies, deficiencies or intolerances
What can an Osteo do?
As osteopaths, our hands-on treatment of migraines focuses on the tension in the joints and muscles of the head and neck that accompanies a migraine. This tension can be caused by stress or injury (see above), or the body can become tight from the pain of the migraine. This leads to as vicious cycle of pain?tension?more pain?more tension!
Osteopathic treatment can help to improve blood flow and drainage from the head and neck. By relaxing the neck and upper back, we can also help settle the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in migraines. In future articles we will look into some of the other causes of migraines and how osteopaths can help.
If you have a headache or migraine, or if you have any other questions, feel free to call us or make an appointment to see one of our Lilydale osteopaths.
