HERE IS A REASON FOR THAT HEADACHE

Osteopathy and Headaches
What are the symptoms of a headache? 

• Dull pain on both sides of the head
• Tightening of neck muscles
• A stuffy head, with pain above or behind the eyes or on either side of the nose
• Throbbing pain or ache on one side of the head

What are the common causes of headaches? 
1.      Neck and back pain 
2.      History of neck injury – eg whiplash 
3.      Stress and tension in the body 
4.      Poor posture 
5.      Jaw misalignment (following dental work) 
6.      Eyestrain (especially from a computer screen) 
7.      Sinus problems

How can an osteopath help treat headaches? 

• Improve mobility of the body’s joints, muscles and tissues – especially in the neck.  
• Reduce muscular tension and nerve irritation
• Improve blood supply and drainage to and from the head and neck. 
• Help prevent future headaches with advice on posture and stretching for the neck and back. 
• Offer advice on ways to relieve stress. 

Ongoing headache problems can cause:   

• People to be irritable, unproductive and depressed
• A decrease in productivity because of the pain 
• Increase the dependency on painkillers and headache tablets

AN OSTEOPATH’S QUICK STEPS TO AVOID HEADACHE PAIN  
1.      Take notice of the warning signs for stress eg unsettled sleep, growing tension in the body, poor eating habits 
2.      Make the work environment ergonomically friendly for you  
3.      Maintain good posture  and back health for work, rest and play 
4.      Learn from an osteopath the best stretches for relieving tension in the neck and back 
5.      Take control of your health