Headaches & Migraine
Not every headache starts in the head. Many begin in the joints and muscles of the upper neck, and those are the ones an osteopath can help with, alongside work on the neck and shoulder tension that can feed into migraine.
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Headaches are one of the most common reasons people go to a GP, and most are not serious. Two types in particular are among the conditions osteopaths commonly help with: headaches arising from the neck, known as cervicogenic headaches, and, as part of a wider plan, migraine prevention.
Which headaches come from the neck?
The joints and muscles of the upper neck share nerve connections with the head, which is why a stiff or irritated upper neck can be felt as a headache. The typical pattern is pain that starts at the base of the skull and spreads up and forward, often to one side, sometimes behind the eye. It is usually worse after a long day at a screen, after sleeping awkwardly, or when you turn your head. Tightness across the top of the shoulders often goes with it.
Can osteopathy help with migraine?
Migraine is a different condition. The NHS describes it as a throbbing headache, often on one side, that can be severe, lasting between 4 hours and 3 days and often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, sickness, or warning signs such as visual disturbance. Triggers include stress, tiredness, missed meals, hormonal changes, too much caffeine and not enough exercise.
Osteopathy does not treat a migraine attack. Where it can contribute is prevention: for people whose migraines are triggered or made worse by neck and shoulder tension, easing that tension is one part of a plan that may also include the lifestyle changes and preventive medication your GP recommends.
How can osteopathy help with headaches?
Abdul begins with a full history, including how long you have had the headaches, what sets them off and what you have already tried. He then examines the neck, upper back and shoulders to see whether the joints and muscles there reproduce your symptoms. Treatment for a cervicogenic headache is gentle: mobilisation of the stiff upper neck joints, soft tissue work on the muscles at the base of the skull and across the shoulders, and attention to the upper back and posture that load the neck through the day. You will also get advice on desk set-up, pillows and simple exercises, since those are usually what keep the problem coming back.
What can I do while I wait for an appointment?
The NHS advice for most everyday headaches includes:
- paracetamol or ibuprofen if they suit you, but not every day, as regular painkiller use can itself cause headaches
- regular meals, enough water and enough sleep
- a low, firm pillow and a heat pack for the neck
- relaxation activities such as exercise, yoga or massage
- for migraine, resting in a dark, quiet room and keeping a diary to spot your triggers
When should I see a GP or get urgent help?
See a GP if your headaches happen several times a week, are getting worse, are not helped by painkillers, or come with sickness, vomiting or sensitivity to light and noise. Call 999 or go to A&E for a sudden, very severe headache, a headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech or confusion, a headache after a head injury, or a headache with a high temperature, a stiff neck or a rash. These need medical assessment, not osteopathy, and we will send you straight on if we see them.
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Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if my headache comes from my neck?
- A cervicogenic headache usually starts at the back of the head or base of the skull and spreads forward, often on one side, and it tends to be brought on or made worse by neck movement or by holding one position for a long time. An examination of the neck can confirm whether the joints and muscles reproduce the headache.
- Can osteopathy stop a migraine attack?
- No. Osteopathy is not a treatment for an attack in progress. Where it can play a part is in prevention, by reducing neck and shoulder tension that acts as a trigger for some people, alongside the advice and medication your GP recommends.
- Should I see my GP before coming to you?
- If your headaches are new, frequent, severe, or come with other symptoms, see your GP first. For headaches that have already been assessed and are linked to the neck, you can book directly.
- Does massage help with headaches?
- The NHS lists massage among the relaxation activities that can help with tension and inability to relax. Our massage treatments can be used alongside osteopathy where neck and shoulder tension is part of the picture.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. If you are unsure about your symptoms, speak to your GP or NHS 111.
How we treat headaches & migraine
Osteopathy
Osteopathy treatments are a form of manual medicine that treats the muscular skeletal system including muscles, ligaments, nerves, joints and problems related to its function.
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Massage Therapy
Massage is one of the oldest methods of healing; its origins can be traced back nearly 4000 years.
Learn more →
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is based on the ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years. It is traditionally used for relaxation and healing on a daily basis, as well as playing a part in rituals such as weddings and births, not to mention everyday events like a trip to the barber.
Learn more →
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Sue B ★★★★★Had treatment from Abdul and Ian who corrected the pain I had in my shoulder. Excellent practice.
Viktória K ★★★★★I highly recommend Maris to anyone in need of a physiotherapist. He went above and beyond to treat my heel inflammation, and I am incredibly grateful for his care. He is highly skilled . A true professional!
Haroon J ★★★★★I had golfer elbow pain for almost two years and I thought I had to live with it forever. Upon recommendation by a friend, I visited AOC and I could not believe that in just one session i would such a remarkable difference. The team is no less than magicians.
D ★★★★★Working in Aberdeen from London so away from my usual Osteopath. Was hoping to find a good one and this is the best I’ve ever had.
Gillian P ★★★★★I recently went to Iva for neck and back issues, after treatment on day 1 i already immediately felt amazing, i went back a week later where Iva continued to work on the problem area, 2 sessions and i feel absolutely amazing, Iva was nothing short of amazing, a lovely lady who knows her stuff and made me feel at ease. Couldn't recommend her enough. Thank you so much
Linda H ★★★★★I first visited Abdul a few years ago with numbness in my hand which I had for a long time. He quickly diagnosed the problem started from my neck and after a few sessions I was pain free. This has been maintained by regular visits. I recently had severe pain in my upper leg which Abdul managed to pinpoint and treat immediately although I had suffered on and off for months. I cannot recommend him highly enough and also the pre-treatment massages from his team. Always professional and accommodating while taking a holistic approach to treatment.
Andrew M ★★★★★I couldn’t give a better rating for Abdul and his team Traveling from Australia I hurt my back golfing. They fitted me in at very short notice and got me moving again
Jen M ★★★★★Wonderful service lovely people I cant recommend them enough I have had severe back pain for weeks I can actually move feel so much better
Ronald H ★★★★★Abdul and his team provide good treatment facilities and are very friendly and helpful.
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