Headaches

Headaches: Types, Causes, and Treatment Options

Headaches are a common issue, presenting as pain in or around the head. Understanding the different types and their causes can help guide treatment. Here are the main types of headaches:

Primary Headaches

• Tension Headaches: The most common type, often felt as pressure or tension on both sides of the head and neck.

• Cervicogenic Headaches: Caused by joint and muscle issues in the neck, with pain radiating to the head.

• Migraines: Intense, one-sided headaches that may pulse or throb, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

• Cluster Headaches: Severe, short-lived headaches, typically around the temple or eye, recurring multiple times a day.

• Chronic Daily Headaches: Headaches that occur 15 days or more a month, persisting for at least three months.

  
  

Secondary Headaches

Some headaches may signal underlying health issues. It’s essential to rule out serious causes, and osteopaths are trained to recognize when further medical evaluation is needed. If necessary, your osteopath will refer you to a doctor.

Tension headaches | Stress headaches | Muscular Headache Types and Symptoms

Tension Headaches | Stress Headaches | Muscular Headaches

• Mild to moderate, lasting minutes to days.

• Pain is constant, felt on both sides of the head.

• No additional symptoms like nausea, and exercise doesn't make it worse.

Migraines

• Moderate to severe one-sided pain, pulsating or throbbing.

• Worsens with activity and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise, light, or smells.

• Some people experience an aura before the headache.

Cluster Headaches

• Intense, short-lived headaches (less than an hour), typically around the eye or temple.

• Occur frequently, disrupting sleep, and may recur for weeks before subsiding.

Chronic Daily Headaches

• Can be any of the above types, occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months.

  
  

Osteopathy for Headaches

Treating Pressure at the Back of the Head

Pressure at the back of the head can stem from muscle tension, poor posture, or conditions like migraines. Osteopathy provides a natural, hands-on approach to address these underlying issues.

Causes of Pressure at the Back of the Head:

• Tension and Stress: Tight muscles in the neck and shoulders can lead to discomfort.

• Poor Posture: Long periods of sitting can strain neck and back muscles.

• Cervicogenic Headaches: Originating from the cervical spine, these headaches cause pressure at the back of the head.

• TMJ Dysfunction: Jaw joint problems can contribute to head pressure.

  
  

How Osteopathy Helps:

Osteopaths use gentle manual techniques to improve mobility, relieve tension, and restore alignment in the body. For pressure at the back of the head, treatment may include:

• Soft Tissue Manipulation: Massage and stretching to release tight muscles in the neck and upper back.

• Joint Mobilization: Targeting cervical spine joints to reduce stiffness and improve movement.

• Cranial Osteopathy: Light touch techniques to balance head and spine movements, relieving pressure.

  
  

What to Expect from Osteopathic Treatment

Many patients feel relief after just a few osteopathic sessions. Treatment relaxes muscles, improves joint mobility, and reduces tension. Osteopaths also offer advice on posture and lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence.

Headache Treatment

Simple painkillers can be effective for most types of headache if used properly. However over use of painkillers can give a drug-rebound head ache so prolonged or excessive use should be avoided.

We find that patients want a solution to the problem not just a pill to take the pain away. Most primary headaches have a mechanical component that can be traced and treated.

Stretching and relaxing the neck muscles, reducing any trigger points and mobilsing and stiff neck joints is a very effective way to deal with a lot of primary head aches.

Successful Treatment: What to Expect

Many patients report significant relief after just a few sessions of osteopathic treatment. As the muscles relax, joint mobility improves, and tension is released, the pressure at the back of the head gradually subsides.

Osteopaths also offer lifestyle and posture advice, helping you avoid triggers that can lead to recurring issues. By addressing the root cause, osteopathy provides long-term relief rather than just masking the symptoms.

Is Osteopathy Right for You?

If you're experiencing persistent pressure at the back of your head, consulting with an osteopath can be a valuable step in finding relief. An initial consultation will involve a thorough assessment of your posture, muscle tone, and joint health, followed by a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

With its holistic, hands-on approach, osteopathy is a gentle and effective way to treat pressure at the back of the head, helping you get back to a more comfortable and balanced state of well-being.

If you’re looking for a natural solution to head pressure, call us to book an appointment with a qualified osteopath today!