In the UK alone, an estimated 10 million people suffer from migraines, or around 1 in 7 of us. Typically, migraines are far more common among women, with 1 in 5 suffering from the condition, compared to 1 in 15 men. Being so widespread, the effect migraines have had on public health cannot be understated. But did you know that osteopathy can help in the prevention of migraines, and is recognised by the ASA as an evidence-based treatment.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a type of headache with a specific set of symptoms. These include head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light. In more severe cases, individuals may experience dizziness, tingling or numb sensations in the hands and feet or visual disturbances known as an “aura”. These disturbances manifest as flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag shapes.

What causes migraines?

While the exact cause of migraines remains unknown, it is thought that genetics are a contributing factor. Specific triggers for individuals who suffer from migraines can vary, including exposure to bright lights, loud noises or specific smells. Sleep health, stress levels, hormonal changes and dietary habits can also act as triggers.

One of the most effective ways to stay in control of migraine symptoms is to record personal experiences and triggers into a diary or notepad. Accurately identifying patterns and connections between triggers and symptoms can provide crucial insight in the management of symptoms.

Ways to treat a migraine 

It’s advisable to begin by taking advice from your GP. Depending on your symptoms and history, they might refer you to a neurologist to rule out any identifiable underlying causes or prescribe certain medication.

Begin by speaking to your doctor about your migraines

Although the advice of the doctor is important, one of the best ways to stay in control of migraines is to adapt your lifestyle, incorporating preventative measures. These measures can include eating a healthy balanced diet, including regular exercise in your routine, staying well hydrated and maintaining good sleep health.

Acupuncture, rest and vitamin supplements are also widely used treatments, and an often overlooked treatment for migraines is osteopathy.

The benefits of osteopathy in the treatment of migraines 

Osteopathy is an excellent complementary therapy in the prevention of migraines. Using gentle manipulation and targeted pressure, practitioners can bring relief and relaxation to your muscles and joints, often acting to help relieve and manage migraines.

The treatment works to help your body reduce the severity of your symptoms in the future. Osteopathy can bring deep relaxation in the muscles and joints, often helping to improve sleep quality and stress levels, in turn acting as a preventative measure against migraines.

Should I try osteopathy for my migraine?

Chances are you yourself or someone you know, perhaps a friend or family member, suffer regular migraines. If you feel like you’ve tried everything and you’ve yet to give osteopathy a chance, it could be beneficial, not just for your migraines but also for your overall physical and mental health. This more natural approach to treatment can also have the added benefit of reducing reliance on conventional painkillers to treat the condition. Keeping an up to date diary of triggers coupled with effective treatment can give you a huge advantage in staying on top of migraines.

If you’d like to know more about how we might be able to help, book a free 15-minute no-obligation chat or learn more on our headaches and migraines page.