Headaches

20 years of experience in osteopathy

Different types of headaches

Headaches, also known as cephalalgia, affect a large portion of the population.
Often perceived as mild, they can become debilitating when frequent or particularly intense.

Osteopathy offers a holistic approach that helps identify and treat certain mechanical causes of cranial pain.

Tension headaches

Often related to stress, postural imbalances, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

Symptoms:

Sensation of pressure around the skull (like a headband)
Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
Dull, constant pain, usually bilateral
Worsening at the end of the day or during stress

Migraines

Throbbing pain sometimes accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, or sensitivity issues.

Symptoms:

Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
Nausea or vomiting
Possible visual disturbances (aura) before the attack

Cervicogenic headaches

Pain starting from the neck and radiating toward the skull, often caused by mechanical dysfunctions.

Symptoms:

Pain starting at the neck and radiating toward the front of the skull
Limited neck movement
Pain worsened by certain positions or cervical movements
Possible associated pain in the shoulder or upper back

Relieve migraines and headaches with osteopathy

Migraines and tension headaches, often intense and debilitating, can benefit from appropriate osteopathic care.

Unlike occasional drug treatments, osteopathy offers a holistic approach by addressing mechanical tensions and improving the mobility of anatomical structures involved in cranial pain.

Following a thorough osteopathic evaluation, the practitioner identifies areas of tension and mobility restrictions—often located in the skull, cervical spine, shoulders, or jaw. These zones can contribute to or worsen symptoms, particularly in cases of chronic migraines.

The goal is to restore muscular balance, release joint blockages, and enhance local circulation, especially in areas prone to recurring pain.

In a broader perspective, treatment may also consider functional factors associated with cranial pain, such as:

visual function, which is sometimes impaired in individuals suffering from frequent migraines;
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, often linked to chewing dysfunction;
postural imbalances that may overstrain certain muscle chains;
global or segmental muscular weakness;
altered respiratory function, which can affect stress management;
and the impact of chronic stress, which contributes to the onset or worsening of symptoms.

Each session is tailored to the individual and based on a deep understanding of the patient’s specific needs, within the framework of a personalized therapeutic approach.

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Practical tips to reduce migraines and headaches

🌿 Encourage deep breathing

Stress is a major factor in the onset of headaches. Taking a few minutes each day to breathe slowly, engaging the diaphragm, helps reduce accumulated nerve and muscle tension.

🏃‍♂️ Incorporate movement throughout the day

Regular physical activity, even moderate, maintains blood circulation and reduces muscle tension. If long sessions are not possible, prefer short walks or some stretching exercises spread throughout the day.

🪑 Care for your body alignment

When in front of a screen or sitting for long periods, make sure to align your head, neck, and back. Avoid prolonged twisting, vary your positions, and adjust the height of your seat and screen to suit your body type.

👁️ Protect your eyes

Eye strain can be an underestimated trigger for certain headaches. Remember to take regular breaks when working on a screen (about every 20 minutes) and consult an ophthalmologist if you have concerns about your vision correction.

☕ Moderate stimulants

Coffee, tea, chocolate... when consumed in excess, these products can trigger migraines in some sensitive individuals. A moderate intake, tailored to your individual tolerance, is recommended. Certain nutrient-rich natural foods will support your health.

Frequently asked questions

Headaches can be caused by many factors: stress, fatigue, muscle tension, dehydration, poor posture, vision problems, or hormonal factors. In some cases, they may also be related to migraines or rarer conditions.
Classic headaches are often diffuse and moderate, whereas migraines are more intense, usually localized to one side of the skull, and may be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound. Migraines also last longer and significantly disrupt daily activities.
It is advised to consult urgently if a headache occurs suddenly and very intensely, if it is accompanied by neurological symptoms (vision problems, weakness, confusion), high fever, neck stiffness, or if it suddenly changes in nature without apparent reason.
Resting in a quiet, dark room, staying properly hydrated, practicing relaxation or stretching techniques, applying cold to the temples, or massaging tense areas (neck, shoulders) can help soothe the pain. In some cases, appropriate medication may be necessary.