Headaches & Migraines

What are Tendinitis / Overuse Injuries?

Headaches and migraines are common, yet often debilitating, conditions characterized by pain in the head or face. While both involve head pain, they differ significantly in their characteristics and underlying mechanisms, though physical tension often plays a role in both.

• Headaches: Most common are tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.

  • Tension headaches are often described as a dull, aching pain or a feeling of tightness or pressure around the head, similar to a band squeezing the skull. They are frequently linked to stress-related tension in the muscles of the neck, scalp, and shoulders, as well as poor posture.

  • Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the neck (cervical spine), with pain often radiating from the back of the head or neck to the front, temples, or around the eyes.

• Migraines: These are a more severe type of headache, classified as a neurological condition. Migraines typically involve a throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head. They are frequently accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia), and sometimes visual disturbances (aura) before or during the attack. While neurological, musculoskeletal factors can act as triggers or exacerbate migraine symptoms.

Common factors contributing to both headaches and migraines include:

• Muscle Tension: Especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, often linked to neck pain or jaw (TMJ) dysfunction.

• Poor Posture: Sustained awkward positions, particularly from prolonged computer use, can lead to postural lower back strain which can in turn affect the neck and head.

• Stress: A major trigger for tension headaches and often a factor in migraine frequency, exacerbating stress-related tension throughout the body.

• Joint Restrictions: Stiffness in the cervical spine or cranium.

• Sleep Disturbances: Lack of quality sleep can increase susceptibility.

• Dehydration and Dietary Factors: While osteopathy focuses on the physical, these external factors are also considered.

As experienced osteopaths, we take a holistic view, understanding that addressing the physical body can significantly influence the frequency and intensity of both headaches and migraines.

How does it feel?

The experience of headaches and migraines can range from a persistent annoyance to severely disabling pain, impacting daily life, work, and enjoyment. Common sensations and issues associated with headaches and migraines include:

• Headaches:

  • A constant, dull ache or feeling of pressure in the head, often described as a tight band.

  • Pain localized in the temples, forehead, or back of the head.

  • Tenderness in the neck, shoulders, and scalp.

  • Often worsens with stress or prolonged static positions.

• Migraines:

  • Intense, throbbing, or pounding pain, frequently affecting only one side of the head.

  • Nausea and/or vomiting.

  • Extreme sensitivity to light and sound, often requiring a dark, quiet room.

  • Visual disturbances (aura) such as flashing lights, zigzags, or blind spots preceding the headache.

  • Fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating before or after an attack.

  • Associated symptoms like dizziness and balance problems, neck stiffness, or jaw pain.

  • Can be debilitating, forcing individuals to stop all activities.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

For those suffering from headaches and migraines, our Osteopathic Treatment at MallorcaOsteopaths offers a holistic approach that often provides significant relief. We understand that many types of headaches, particularly those originating from neck and upper back tension, respond well to gentle manual therapy.

Our osteopathic treatment in Mallorca for headaches and migraines focuses on:

1. Releasing Musculoskeletal Tension: Through gentle, non-invasive manual techniques, we work to release chronic tension in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, scalp, and jaw (TMJ). This directly addresses common sources of tension headaches and can act as a trigger point for migraines.

2. Restoring Spinal and Cranial Mobility: We use specific articulation and mobilization techniques to improve the movement of the cervical spine (neck) and the delicate bones of the cranium. Restrictions here can impede fluid flow and nerve function, contributing to head pain. Addressing neck pain is often key.

3. Calming the Nervous System: Osteopathic techniques, particularly subtle cranial and visceral approaches, can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body out of a stressed state and promoting deeper relaxation. This can be profoundly beneficial for reducing the frequency of both headaches and migraines. This is often linked to managing stress-related tension.

4. Improving Posture and Biomechanics: We assess your overall posture and how it might contribute to neck and head strain. Addressing issues like postural lower back strain or a rounded upper back can significantly reduce the load on the cervical spine and skull.

5. Optimizing Breathing Mechanics: Restrictions in the diaphragm and rib cage can lead to shallow breathing, exacerbating tension. We work to improve breathing dysfunction for better oxygenation and nervous system regulation.

6. Enhancing Circulation and Fluid Dynamics: By releasing restrictions, we can improve blood flow to and from the head, as well as lymphatic drainage, aiding in the reduction of inflammation and congestion that can contribute to head pain.

7. Providing Lifestyle and Ergonomic Guidance: While our focus is hands-on, we offer practical advice on ergonomic adjustments, stress management techniques, and simple exercises to support long-term relief and reduce triggers. Our home visit service is ideal for assessing your personal environment directly.

Whether you're a long-term resident managing chronic headaches or migraines, or a visitor needing acute relief to enjoy your time in Mallorca, our home visit osteopathy service across the island offers highly convenient and effective solutions. We bring expert, personalized care directly to you, helping you find greater comfort and freedom from head pain.