There are several reasons for headaches. Most are not serious and once the cause is established headaches can often be helped by simple changes in lifestyle. One headache trigger we treat at our Oxford clinic is tension or strain in the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back.
We’re here to help
For certain headache types, treatment from an osteopath may help with the pain. In your first appointment at Central Oxford Osteopathy, one of our osteopaths will ask you questions and conduct some simple tests to try and identify the source of your headache. In cases where the pain in linked to muscle tension we will tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. We can use a wide range of gentle manual treatments depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis to reduce muscular tension in your neck and improve movement in the joints of your neck and upper back. By loosening the joints of your neck, thorax and back your osteopath can relieve the build-up of muscular tension that may lead to headaches. We may gently massage the soft tissues in this area or rhythmically “rock” the joints to release tension. Sometimes we may gently manipulate the joints in your back or neck and you may hear a “click”.
Your long term recovery is important to us. Once we have treated your immediate pain at the clinic, we will help you maintain your recovery by recommending gentle exercise and stretches you can do at home. We may offer advice on your lifestyle particularly if we feel there is a repetitive activity that may be triggering your headache. We may also offer advice on your posture and provide advice on diet and exercise.
If you think we can help you with your pain, then book to see an osteopath at our Oxford clinic today.
Acknowledgement: with thanks to Institute of Osteopathy for data and sources.
