Osteopathic Headache Treatment
Headaches and migraines can range in severity from the occasional tension headache to regular, debilitating migraines. Whilst many people consider painkillers to be the go-to approach to headache treatment, certain types of headache have their roots in musculoskeletal issues, and can be treated with osteopathy and related physical therapies.
We are an osteopathic clinic in Bromley, incorporating a range of physical therapy treatments including osteopathy, dry needling (acupuncture), sports massage and laser therapy. Booking at our Bromley clinic is quick and simple using our online system.
If you have questions about our treatments, you can also book a free 15-minute in-person or telephone consultation, during which one of our expert practitioners will be happy to give you any advice and information you need.
"Oliver has helped to reduce my chronic low back pain significantly! He is really knowledgeable, explains your difficulties well, and gives you helpful advice. I'm pleased to say that the effects have been long-term, and would recommend him to anyone."
Pooja, Bromley
"My mum woke up one morning with crippling back and leg pain and Oliver squeezed her in for an appointment at short notice. I'm pleased to say just over a month later, mum is happily walking around again and just in time for our holiday too. Oliver was very professional, kind and compassionate. We can't recommend him enough, thank you so much!"
Elise, Google Review
"Robert was extremely professional, kind and knowledgeable. I got a brilliant treatment with my first session and excellent exercises to practise at home. I highly recommend Robert."
Alicia, Google Review
"I have been seeing Oliver for a year now since I started getting difficulties with my neck and I have not regretted this one bit. He has encyclopaedic knowledge about his field and a great passion for what he does. He always explains what he is doing and he is so well researched and up to date on the different methodologies used. 1 year on and I feel more confident and pain free. Thank you Oliver!"
Hasti, Google Review
"I've been treated by Oliver for years for neck, back and calf tension. Very effective treatment. Recommended him to my mum who was also impressed and sees Oliver regularly now. Recently she had a course of acupuncture and was very pleased with the results. Recommended."
Sophia, Google Review
"It had been recommended to me to see an Osteopath and was very happy to locate one close by. I’m so glad to have met Oliver who has literally given me my life back by sorting out my back pain in as little as three sessions! I have never felt so much better and have exercises that I can do myself at home. Oliver is a lovely person and always enjoyed our chats during the sessions."
Nicky, Google Review
What headaches can osteopathy treat?
There are many types of headache, with a wide range of causes. However, three of the most common types of headache can be treated with osteopathy.
If you’re unsure why you are experiencing headaches and whether osteopathic treatment may be suitable, we will be able to advise you at your initial appointment, or alternatively book a free 15-minute consultation and we will do our best to assess you.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are what many people consider a ‘typical’ headache. They feel like a tight band around the head or a generalised pain around the head or behind the eyes.
As the name suggests, they can be brought on by tension, and by other lifestyle factors such as poor posture, screen use, and general poor health. Many people experience these headaches when they are tired and/or stressed. The pain generally comes on slowly with no secondary symptoms, and is mild to moderate, although symptoms vary from person to person.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic means ‘originating from the neck’. Cervicogenic headaches are a form of secondary headache, meaning the real problem lies in musculoskeletal tension or misalignment in the neck and/or shoulders. This can in turn lead to headache-like symptoms, perhaps due to interference with the nerve signals to the head, weakened blood flow or referred musculoskeletal pain.
Because cervicogenic headaches are felt in the head, it can be difficult for the person experiencing the headache to realise that the problem in fact originates from the neck. An osteopath or other musculoskeletal expert will be able to examine the muscles and soft tissues of the neck and the alignment of your cervical (neck) spine to understand whether this may be the underlying cause of your headaches.
Migraines
As any sufferer knows, migraines are a painful and potentially debilitating condition that are experienced as much more than just a headache. However they are also reasonably common, affecting up to 1 in 10 people.
Migraines are characterised by a slow onset and intense pain, often on one side of the head only. Unlike the other types of headaches we have seen, they are also often accompanied by various secondary symptoms, the most common of which is visual sensations known as aura.
The exact causes of migraine are not understood, but are thought to involve some combination of genetic, neurological, chemical and hormonal factors. Some people find that their migraines have triggers, and that they can reduce the frequency and severity of their migraines by avoiding certain foods, medications or sensory factors (such as excessively bright lights).
“Headaches are a common problem that most of us will suffer from at some point or another. If you are concerned by your headaches or find they are becoming a regular occurrence, speak to us to see what can be done. Many headaches can be treated with conservative treatments, and we can advise on other treatments and lifestyle adjustments where it may help you.”
Oliver Hicks M.Ost, Clinic owner
How can osteopathy help?
In all headache cases, osteopathy is used to relieve tightness in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, and to improve alignment of the cervical spine. As well as directly reducing tension in the head and shoulders, this can also improve the quality of blood flow to the head and brain. Osteopathic treatment is also known to have a generally calming effect.
In the case of cervicogenic headaches, this treatment directly targets the primary cause of the headache, i.e. tension in the neck and shoulders. By reducing muscle tension, the underlying cause of the headache is addressed directly and symptoms reduced.
In the case of tension headaches and migraines - where muscular tension is not necessarily the primary reason for experiencing headaches - the reduction in tension and improvement in spinal alignment can still have a beneficial effect in reducing symptoms. Muscular tension may be a contributing factor and secondary symptom to any type of headache, and reducing it can only have a positive effect on reducing headache symptoms. If the headache is based on stress - as with tension headaches - then the generally relaxing effect will also have a positive benefit.
Osteopathy is a holistic treatment, meaning it considers the body as a whole. Your osteopath may also help to identify headache triggers as being down to imbalances elsewhere in the body, such as the result of poor workstation setup or poor posture and spinal misalignment, and be able to help in treating these contributing factors.
Do I need scans or X-rays?
Headaches are experienced due to a wide range of underlying causes. Depending on your symptoms and on the effectiveness of conservative treatments such as osteopathy in your particular case, it may also be advisable to speak to your GP or to be referred to a neurologist or for further diagnostic tests such as MRI or X-ray.
We are experienced first-contact practitioners and are able to advise you as to what is best in your particular case. If osteopathy is not the most appropriate treatment for you or if further diagnostic scans are advisable, we will be sure to refer you to the appropriate service. We can also liaise with your GP or other healthcare professionals if you are pursuing osteopathy alongside other treatments.
Our Bromley Clinic
Our Bromley Clinic is conveniently situated in a peaceful location in South Bromley. We offer a range of treatments including osteopathy, sports massage, pregnancy massage and acupuncture, and our helpful staff are on hand to give you any advice you require.
You can find all the information you need for your visit, including parking, public transport and accessibility, on our Bromley clinic information page.
Book an Appointment
Booking is easy using our online system, or call us on 0208 088 0442 and our expert staff will be happy to help. There are no long wait times and appointments are usually available within 24-48 hours.
To discuss your symptoms and the best treatment for you, a free 15-minute telephone or in-person chat is also available.
This page was reviewed by Oliver Hicks M.Ost on the 6th February 2024