Tension headaches are characterised by a mild to moderate pain intensity around both sides of the head, which can be described by a dull, pressure-like headache without any neurological symptoms and can be reoccurring (1).
Around 67% in men and 87% in women will suffer one or more tension-type headaches (TTHA) throughout their lifetimes. With it being more common in the 30-40-year-old age group. TTHA’s may be caused by myofascial trigger points, stress, and jaw clenching.
Migraines on the other hand are commonly intense headaches that can come with aura or without aura, dizziness and nausea. It is not fully understood what the actual causes of a migraine are; however, it is thought to be caused by an increase in blood flow to the cranium and it can be triggered by bright lights and hormonal changes.
In Australia migraines affect 28% of women and 12% of men, with 70% of people experiencing migraines without aura. Identifying triggers that bring on migraines is vital for your long-term management.
How osteopathy may assist
Osteopathy allows us to diagnose and identify what type of headache you are experiencing as well as give us a hands-on approach to the treatment you need. Every patient is tailored and treated holistically which may involve addressing your biomechanics and getting treatment which will involve:
- Postural assessment – Maintaining correct alignment of your body in all positions. Good posture protects and supports the structures of the body against injury and deformity. Poor posture puts more strain on the supporting muscles which can lead to constant aches, pains and headaches.
- Strengthening and stretching muscles – We will prescribe tailored exercise rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles to ease possible muscle strains and tightness. We offer clinical exercise programs incorporating Pilates methods and strength and conditioning philosophies with osteo which is customized to meet your needs and is a good basis for a long-term management plan.
- Soft/deep tissue massage
- Spinal manipulation – a joint mobilisation technique that involves a high-velocity low amplitude thrust to allow for a smoother movement, helps relax the nervous system, increases range of motion through the joints, increases the joint space through the spine, and most of all should relieve pain.
- Myofascial release – myofascial release is a gentle hands-on technique to unwind muscle tension. It involves applying gentle pressure over a broad area of muscle to release tightness in trigger points, and muscle tissue. Myofascial release works across the musculoskeletal system and reduces tension.
- Addressing lifestyle factors, such as water intake, diet, exercise, and any stress triggers
Through osteopathy principles, we are able to assist you to better relieve, manage and prevent your symptoms and cause of pain today and in the future.
For an appointment, please book online or call 9830 7044.