We’ve had a quite a few patients who have come to us complaining of longstanding migraines and headaches, and at the Wandsworth Osteo Clinic we have a unique approach to alleviating the discomfort this condition can cause.
Headaches will generally fall into one of two categories;
1. Tension (Cervicogenic) Headache
According to the NHS, this is the most common type of headache and tends to mainly affect teenagers and adults. This type of headache is primarily linked to a tightening and contraction of the head and neck muscles, which can irritate the blood vessels in or around the head. It can also irritate the meninges, which are three layers of protective tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Tension headaches usually tend to happen in isolated incidents, but some people can suffer for prolonged periods of time.
Common Triggers
- ïStress
- ïBad Posture
- ïEye Strain
- ïFatigue
- ïAlcohol & Tobacco use
- ïHormonal changes in the menstrual cycle
2. Migraine headache
A migraine is a severe and painful headache and is more complex than a tension headache. Migraines can often be preceded by and/or accompanied by several sensory warning signs such as disturbed vision, blind spots, increased sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and/or vomiting and a tingling sensation in the arms and legs. It is usually experienced as a throbbing pain on one side of the head.
Migraine symptoms will vary from person to person. For instance, migraines are known to affect women more than men and can lead to chronic pain for some people. According to the Migraine Trust, migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours. While there is no known cause for migraine, most people who suffer with it tend to be genetically predisposed to migraine.
Common Triggers
- ïFamily history of migraine
- ïMuscle tension and stress (especially in the neck, shoulders and back)
- ïAlcohol & Tobacco use. Also exposure to tobacco smoke
- ïPoor sleep
- ïMenstrual periods and the use of oral contraceptives. Some women find their migraines start at puberty and are linked to their menstrual cycle
- ïExcessive caffeine consumption and food and drinks which contain certain preservatives and artificial sweeteners are known to trigger migraines. Mild dehydration can also have an impact on people who have migraine
How can we help?
Regardless of the triggers that cause the headache, our unique approach at the Wandsworth Osteo Cinic will look at all the factors that might be causing your pain and accurately diagnose what exactly is causing your headache. Very often the symptoms of migraine are caused or made worse by poor posture and increased stress and tension in the neck muscles, which can lead to loss of mobility in the spinal joints of the neck. Tensions in the muscles which move the jaw can also produce headaches, especially if you grind your teeth.
Do you suffer from headaches and migraines and need expert help and advice? Give us a call today
