Approximately half the population suffers from headaches at some point during their life. Most people would just reach for the drugs. But medication is just a short term bandaid. A heat pack maybe? That dull ache is back in an hour. Just sleep it off? That can be a lottery.
To truly beat your headaches for both immediate relief and in the long run you need to attack the root cause of the headache.
There are many triggers for all the different types of headaches. Stress, fatigue, neck dysfunction, jaw tension, hydration, sleeping position, posture all contribute in their own way to the all too familiar throbbing, aching, and pressure that just builds and builds...All these factors effect the physical structures of the head, neck and shoulders. Muscles, bones, joints, sinuses, blood vessels, ears and eyes can become tense, inflamed and contribute to headaches. What can you do about it?
Step one is getting assessed so you know what is driving the headache.
Our Osteopaths are trained to assess static and dynamic posture, muscular tension, joint function and can even assist with sinus and lymph drainage.
Step two is intervention. Whether it is a new pillow, a strengthening program or something as simple as deep tissue massage to break the cycle of tension and pain. Your health professional will be able to help you with these.
A lot of people don't know that osteopathy and personalised clinical exercise programming can reduce the frequency and severity of most types of headaches. Through massage, counterstrain muscle releases, dry needling, articulation and manipulation therapy Osteopaths are perfectly skilled to break the vicious cycle of tension and pain.
Step Three is subtle lifestyle manipulation.
These are the 1-2% things that can really add up for the positive or the negative across a day, week or lifetime. Some of the most important ones to be thinking about:
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- Setting up your desk like a champion (if your work is a bit desk-y)
- Noticing your work habits (if your work is a bit physical-y)
- Stretching and strengthening your upper body and core muscles (and everything else too)
You don't have to make any radical changes, just subtle tweaks and adjustments can help more than you would think.To book an osteopathy appointment or join our clinical exercise classes, click here.
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Experiencing frequent headaches can disrupt your daily life, making even simple tasks seem daunting. At Enso Osteopathy, we understand the impact that headaches can have on your wellbeing and offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs. This blog will explore various types of headaches, their causes, and effective treatments, including innovative techniques like cupping for tension headaches. We'll also guide you on how to manage and potentially alleviate your headache symptoms through osteopathic care.
Understanding the different types of headaches
Headaches can vary greatly in terms of intensity, duration, and the areas of the head affected. Understanding the type of headache you are experiencing is the first step in finding effective treatment.
Migraine vs headache
While often used interchangeably, migraine and headaches are not the same. Migraines are usually characterised by intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head and can be accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. General headaches may not have these additional symptoms and tend to be less severe.
Tension headache symptoms
Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, typically cause a constant pressure or ache around the head, especially at the temples or back of the neck and head. They are often linked to stress or muscle strain. This can commonly be associated with a stiff neck or shoulder injuries such as tendonopathy.
Identifying headache causes
Many factors can trigger headaches, including stress, poor posture, and nutritional deficiencies. By identifying these triggers, we can tailor a treatment plan that not only treats but also prevents the onset of headaches.
Some of the most controllable factors aare:
- Drinking more water and less caffeine
- Setting up your desk and work station to enable great posture and minimise strain.
How to get rid of headache
While immediate remedies can provide short-term relief, understanding and treating the underlying causes of headaches is essential for long-term management.
For tension headaches, many of the strategies mentioned in our blog about managing a stiff neck will also be greatly beneficial.
Effective headache relief methods
For those seeking relief, understanding the cause and type of headache is crucial. At Enso Osteopathy, we utilise a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat headaches.
Cupping for tension headaches
Cupping therapy is an effective treatment that may alleviate the tightness and pain associated with tension headaches. This ancient technique uses suction cups on key points of the body to enhance circulation and relieve muscle tension.
TMJ headache
A TMJ headache is caused by problems with the temporomandibular joint. These headaches often feel like a tight band around your forehead and can be accompanied by jaw pain. Osteopathic treatment can help alleviate this by addressing the root cause in the jaw joint.
Pressure points for headache
Utilising pressure points is a non-invasive way to relieve headaches. An osteopath can show you how to apply gentle pressure to specific areas, often in the neck, jaw, shoulders and check, which can help reduce headache intensity and frequency.
Osteopathy for tension headache relief
If you're tired of dealing with persistent headaches and are looking for a natural and effective treatment plan, it’s time to consider osteopathy. Our team of osteopaths at the Enso Clinic specialises in techniques that target the muscles and joints contributing to tension headaches. Through a combination of manual therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management techniques, we aim to reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.
Book an osteopathy appointment online today. Our clinic is located on Beatty Avenue in Armadale, Victoria. Across the road from Toorak station.