Frome Valley Osteopaths

The three of us went to a great learning event on Monday hosted by our local Osteopathic society and run by Mark McWilliams, founding member of Osteopaths for the progress of headaches and migraines (www.ophm.org). It was a great reminder for all of us about how skilled we are in diagnosing and treating headaches and migraines.

It’s not something I think we tell you all about enough, and isn’t often someones primary reason to come for treatment, when it absolutely could be something we can help you with. Through treatment or referral.

So here is a brief info dump on headaches and how we can help you.

There are 2 main classifications of headaches, primary or secondary headaches.

Primary headaches include Tension type headaches, Migraine and Cluster headaches. They occur of themselves and aren’t caused by anything else.

Secondary headaches include medication overuse headaches, persistent post traumatic headaches and cervicogenic headaches etc.

However, headaches aren’t quite that simple and more than one type of headache can occur at a time.

A primary migraine headache may be being exacerbated by an underlying cervicogenic (neck related) problem.

We know what to look for, the red flags, that indicate when to refer on to the doctor or A&E and we know the green flags, when it’s safe to treat.

We know the anatomy of the spine, the cranium, we know the impact of whiplash and that fall on your bottom, we know how arthritis in your neck or that sporting injury can impact the mobility of your neck and cause headaches. Exacerbate migraines.

We can help through gentle hands on treatment, mobilisation, exercises, advice.

If you’re struggling with migraines or headaches give us a call.

Lauren Manning BSc Hons Ost