Headaches are common, but they are not always simple. We work to understand the root cause and provide treatment that brings lasting relief.
Headaches are among the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages. While some are short lived and mild, others can be persistent, intense or disabling.
Many headaches are the result of tension, poor posture, jaw dysfunction or nerve irritation. They are often the body’s way of signalling that something is not working well — and they respond best when that underlying issue is identified and addressed.
There are more than two hundred types of headache recognised by the International Classification of Headache Disorders. A clear diagnosis is the first step to getting the right care.
Migraine comes in many shapes and sizes – some people have pain or pain with a sensory aura, some will experience only an aura whilst others may have dizziness/vertigo or weakness during an episode. Migraine is associated with light/sound sensitivity and nausea/vomiting.
Cervicogenic headaches normally start in the neck and travel up around the ear to the temple or face. Normally associated with painful muscles or joints in the neck, these headaches are one-sided and are often reoccurring until the problem is resolved.
Tension headaches are usually felt on both sides of the forehead, scalp or temples and have a tight, constricting quality. Associated with sustained postures, stress and overuse of muscles around the face and jaw, these headaches can last hours to days.
Also called ‘C2 neuralgia’ this headache is characterised by recurrent headaches at the base of the skull that radiate up into the head. Described as shooting, stabbing or electric shocks, the symptoms are related to compression of nerves coming out of the neck.
Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden episodes of stabbing or shocking pain in the facial region that occurs multiple times a day. Between attacks, there is often residual throbbing or burning in the area. Trigeminal neuralgia is usually one-sided.
Post-traumatic headaches present differently in each case and are categorised as either acute or chronic. These headaches can occur after traumatic brain injury or concussion, and are particularly common in military personnel.
Very painful headache with extreme stabbing pain behind one eye. Differentiated from other headaches by the presence of specific autonomic symptoms such as sweating, redness, swelling, weeping or a runny nose on the affected side.
Changes in hormone levels (usually a drop in estrogen) can trigger a headache or migraine. Most often, this occurs just before menstruation but it can also come on during or after. These headaches may become more severe during perimenopause.
Sinus headaches can feel like pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. Throbbing often occurs, and pain is usually worse with head movements, bending forward, or coughing. Nausea and vomiting are not normally present, and would indicate a migraine instead.
We begin by asking detailed questions about your headache pattern, triggers, lifestyle and general health. This includes any scans or reports you have from previous care providers.
We then assess posture, neck mobility, muscle tension, jaw function and nervous system sensitivity. Where relevant, we check for signs that may point to migraine, nerve involvement or other underlying causes.
You will leave with a clear explanation of what we have found and a plan to move forward.
Osteopathic treatment aims to relieve pressure, improve mobility and calm the systems involved in generating headache pain.
This may include hands on techniques for the neck, upper back, jaw and nervous system, depending on what is contributing to your symptoms. We also provide education, exercises and advice tailored to your condition and goals.
Our focus is on helping you feel better, stay well and understand what works best for your body.
If headaches are interfering with your daily life, we are here to help you understand why and find a way forward. Book online or contact the clinic to learn more.
