Migraines And How Osteopathy Can Provide Relief Migraines Relief with Osteopathic Treatment Many of us experience headaches to differing degrees at some point in our lives. Unfortunately many of us also experience migraines. Migraines can bring debilitating symptoms, leaving us desperately searching for relief! Our team of osteopaths will assess each patient case by case and find the source of the issue so that you can get back to your daily routine as quickly as possible. Often musculoskeletal factors are one of several issues, but your osteopath will help you get to the bottom of those other triggers, so you can work together to reduce the severity and frequency of your migraines. What is a Migraine? A migraine is often a severe nagging headache, normally localised to one side of the head. The fundamental difference between a headache and a migraine is a migraine has an “aura” which can include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sound sensitivity or light sensitivity. Other symptoms can include fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, food cravings and tingling or pins and needles. 1 out of 10 New Zealanders suffer from migraines, they are more common in women and are typically worst between the ages of 10 and 30. Book Online Migraines are more complex than headaches, and prevention usually relies in avoiding the many triggers. It is often a combination of triggers that will set off the migraine, and these will be different for each individual. Here are some common triggers of a migraine: stress fatigue hunger or dehydration alcohol and caffeine certain medications lights and sounds hormonal influences environmental factors Headaches How can we treat a migraine? Fortunately, osteopathic treatment is effective in preventing migraines and headaches. It’s a researched fact that hands on osteopathic treatment and therapy can be more effective than medication. Identifying a structural reason for migraine headaches is the first way to start relieving the migraine. Our osteopaths are trained to feel any tension changes in your body tissues and correct postural tension by using gentle manipulation techniques. An osteopath takes into consideration how your spine moves and functions along with the entire musculoskeletal system. Any inhibited movement of these structures can produce headaches and migraines. Tight muscles in the neck, back and jaw can also contribute to the symptoms. Osteopathy aids healthy blood flow and lymph drainage. This assists the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the whole body which helps take pressure off nerves. Book Online
