In Osteopathy, headaches are a common symptoms that we come across. There are many types and causes of headaches and clients often wonder if they are suffering from a bad headache or a migraine.
What is the differences between migraines and headaches?
Migraines are believed to be due to a widening of the blood vessels of the brain on one side of the head. This is often preceded by a narrowing of the blood vessels that can create visuals disturbances referred to as “aura”.
Migraines are characterized by pain that is generally more intense than a headache and are associated with throbbing located on only one side of the head. It is also possible to experience nausea, dizziness and sensitivities to light and sound with a migraine.
On the other hand, headaches are more likely to originate from the neck and can therefore be related to a dysfunction of the upper vertebrae, postural and muscle tension issues or stress. They are more often felt as a tightness or pressure on both sides of the head.
Headaches can last less than an hour, but they can also last much longer than migraines – up to a week, compared with the typical three days for a migraine.
What will an osteopathic manual practitioner do to help your headache?
You are likely to be asked about the onset, the location, the type and the severity of the pain, as well as if there is a the daily pattern, the duration, the aggravating factors, and the associated symptoms, etc. A physical examination and some tests will follow the questioning.
Treatment may involve mobilization of the neck, skull and upper spine, soft tissue release, lymphatic drainage techniques and cranio-sacral therapy.
Because the cranial system is related to the pelvis through the dura (connecting the skull to the tail bone) the osteopathic manual practitioner may assess and treat the pelvic area as well.
Osteopathy is defined by treating the patient as a whole; therefore the posture, internal organs and fascias will all be assessed. As a result, the frequency, duration and intensity of the headaches can be better controlled or even eliminated all together.
Need headache relief?
Book an appointment with the Osteopathic Manual Practitioners at Life Therapies in Ottawa.
