Hermione Halman

Happy New year!

Last year I became a little quiet on here, so this year I’m hoping to post more regularly. I have decided to do a ‘Top to Toe’ series to share some knowledge for each area of the body. This post is all about headaches and how osteopathy might be able to help. 

Headaches are common symptoms shared in clinic and causes vary. In this post, I will focus on the most common types. Please keep an eye out for the disclaimers for your own safety.

Disclaimers: If you experience any of the following symptoms or have concerns please seek medical advice. 

Sudden onset of severe headache	Headache following head trauma
New headache in the elderly	Cognitive changes
Vomiting without nausea	Marked neck stiffness and rash
Headache whilst taking blood-thinning medication	Headache and history of cancer

 

The following types of headaches are commonly seen in the clinic but if you have any concerns please see your local osteopath or doctor. 

A common cause of headache and something to be aware of is dehydration, please ensure you remain hydrated and try to drink between 2 and 3 litres of water every day. (You can add fruit to make it taste more interesting).

1. Cervicogenic Headaches

‘Cervicogenic’ is the technical term for pain that originates from the neck. If patients have restrictions of joints or tightness in the neck, commonly in the higher segments, headaches can develop as part of their symptoms. 

As the muscles become tighter than usual, trigger points can develop and activate in the muscles. Trigger points are small areas of tension, described as ‘micro-cramps’. These small areas can refer pain to other areas of the body, in this case, the pain is usually felt at the back of the head, top of the head and can go as far as the forehead and eye sockets. 

Image 1: Cervicogenic pain referral pattern.

2. Trigger point referral 

As briefly mentioned above, trigger points can be responsible for causing head pain. There are two phases of trigger point behaviour. 

Active phase: This is where the area of tight muscle is tender to touch and radiates pain to other regions of the body. The pain is described as a deep burning pain or often as a dull ache. 

Latent Phase: This is where there is a trigger point that is not causing bother but is still tender to touch. Latent trigger points are less likely to refer pain. Latent trigger points can be reactivated to the active and painful phase, with muscle overloading, muscle fatigue or stress.

There are several muscles around the neck and shoulder that refer pain to the head. Please see the images below.

Image 2: Trigger point referral patterns

3. Tension Headache

Tension headaches cause diffuse pain around the back and sides of the head and the forehead. Patients often describe a band like pressure around the head, dull ache and occasionally scalp tenderness. These types of headaches are common in those who experience stress or heightened emotions. 

Image 3: Tension headache pattern

4. Temporomandibular Joint referral headache

Similar to the trigger point referral, headaches can be a symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This is the joint of the jaw. If there is extra movement at the joint or restriction this can influence tension of the surrounding musculature and as described above can enhance pain.

Image 4: TMJ referral pattern

5. Sinus Headaches

Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the front of the face with a mucosal lining. With allergic reactions or infections, the mucosal lining becomes inflamed and produces additional mucus. This production reduces the sinus’ ability to drain effectively causing pressure that can present as a headache. 

Sinus headaches are felt as pressure around the bridge of the nose, forehead and cheekbones. 

Image 5: Sinus headache

Treatment options

Osteopathic treatment for the above-mentioned types of headaches is very effective and patients find this very beneficial. By thoroughly assessing the causes of your headaches, lifestyle factors, the quality of the musculature and mobility of joints we can tailor treatments to suit your presentation.

Using a range of techniques, focusing on the upper back, shoulders, neck, jaw and associated musculature, we can try to reduce the headache symptoms and help you manage your pain. As osteopaths, we also provide useful take-home advice such as hydrotherapy, lifestyle advice and exercises.

Keep an eye out for a post on useful advice and exercises for headache reduction. (I’ll link it here when it’s live).

Book with your local osteopath to see how they can help.

If you have any questions please leave them below. 

Take Care,

Hermione