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Are you tired of taking painkillers for a headache that just keeps coming back? Perhaps you’ve been living with a constant ache for years, a dull, persistent pain that starts at the base of your skull or radiates from your neck and shoulders.
Headaches are incredibly common, but that doesn’t make them any easier to live with. Many people don’t realise that the source of their pain may not be in their head at all, but rather in their neck and upper back.
At Body Backup, we specialise in identifying and treating the underlying musculoskeletal issues that cause two of the most prevalent types of headaches: cervicogenic and tension headaches.
Understanding the Root Cause of Your Headache
Headaches can be complex, but their origin often points back to the intricate network of muscles, joints, and nerves in your neck (cervical spine).
Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache and are often described as a “band” of pressure or tightness around the head. While not always directly caused by a neck issue, tension headaches are closely linked to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp. Factors like stress, poor posture (especially from desk work), and lack of sleep can lead to chronic muscle tightness, which in turn can lead to this type of headache.
Cervicogenic Headaches: The term “cervicogenic” literally means “coming from the neck.” These headaches are a direct result of a problem in the cervical spine. This can include stiffness in the joints, muscle tension, or irritation of the nerves at the top of your neck. The pain, which is typically one-sided and non-throbbing, can travel from the neck up to the scalp, forehead, and around the eyes. Certain neck movements or sustained postures can often trigger or worsen the pain.
Beyond Tension: A Review for All Headache Types
While osteopathy is particularly effective for cervicogenic and tension headaches, we understand that headaches can also manifest as other complex conditions like migraines and cluster headaches.
During your initial consultation, we will conduct a thorough review of your symptoms, including the nature, frequency, and triggers of your headaches. By taking a detailed case history, we can help differentiate between various types of headaches. For conditions like migraines and cluster headaches, which have a different underlying cause, our primary role is to assess and identify any musculoskeletal components that may be contributing to or exacerbating your symptoms.
Importantly, as primary healthcare professionals, we are trained to recognise when a headache requires further investigation. If we determine that your symptoms are not suitable for osteopathic treatment, or if we identify a need for additional tests or specialist care, we will refer you to an appropriate healthcare professional, such as your GP or a neurologist, to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Even if the primary cause is not structural, treating areas of muscular tension, addressing postural imbalances, and improving joint mobility in the neck and upper back can be a valuable part of a holistic management strategy. We work to support the body’s overall function, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Unlike simply masking the pain with medication, osteopathy focuses on treating the source. Our approach is holistic and gentle, using a range of hands-on techniques to restore normal function to your musculoskeletal system.
An osteopathic consultation for headaches will involve a thorough examination to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. We will assess the mobility of your neck, shoulders, and spine, and look at your posture and daily habits.
Our treatment may include:* Massage and Soft Tissue Techniques: To release tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
* Gentle Articulation and Mobilisation: To improve the range of motion in stiff neck joints.
* Stretching and Exercise Prescription: To strengthen weak muscles and correct postural issues, providing long-term relief.
* Ergonomic and Postural Advice: Guidance on how to adjust your work or home environment to prevent future headaches.
Our goal is not just to relieve your current symptoms but to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your condition and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Why Choose Body Back-up?
At Body Backup, we pride ourselves on providing personalised, professional care. Our osteopaths are highly trained and registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). We understand the debilitating effect headaches can have on your life, and we are committed to helping you find lasting relief.
We believe in a collaborative approach, working with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and addresses your specific needs. Our clinics in London and Maidenhead are calm and welcoming environments where you can feel confident you are in expert hands.
Ready to find a solution to your headaches?
Don’t let cervicogenic, tension, or other types of headaches control your life. A first review appointment is the first step towards understanding your pain and building a path to lasting relief.