As an osteopath, I regularly support patients suffering from headaches, a common and often disabling complaint.

Here's a closer look at headaches (cephalalgia), their causes, and how osteopathy can help.

What is a headache?

The term headache (or cephalalgia) covers all types of head pain, whether occasional or chronic.

The main types include:

Tension-type headaches: The most frequent kind, felt as a dull, pressing pain around the forehead, temples, or back of the neck. Commonly linked to stress, poor posture, or fatigue.
Migraine: Typically described as a throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Cervicogenic headaches: Directly connected to tension or dysfunction in the neck region.

What causes headaches?

Several factors can contribute, such as:

Mechanical factors: Poor posture at work, muscle tension in the neck, old injuries, or joint restrictions.
Emotional factors: Stress, anxiety, overwork, or disturbed sleep.
Other causes: Eye strain, hormonal imbalances, dietary triggers.
Environmental factors: Bright lights, loud sounds, or sudden changes in weather.

The Osteopathic Approach

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach, aiming to identify and release different tensions that may cause or worsen headaches.

During a consultation, an osteopath will:

Assess mobility of the cervical spine, skull, jaw, and shoulders
Look for joint restrictions or muscle tightness (neck, trapezius, base of the skull).
Consider lifestyle, postural habits, and past medical history (falls, stress, quality of sleep).
Use gentle techniques to release tension: cranial work, muscular balancing, and myofascial release.

Many patients report a noticeable reduction in headache frequency and severity after a few tailored osteopathic sessions. The goal is always to provide lasting relief while offering advice on prevention and healthy daily habits.

Useful tips to prevent headaches

Pay attention to posture (at your desk, when reading, etc.).
Take frequent breaks to relax your neck and shoulders.
Stay well-hydrated.
Maintain regular physical activity.
Seek professional help if headaches become persistent or unusual.

In summary:

Osteopathy can be an effective part of managing functional headaches and improving well-being. If you ever experience sudden, severe headaches or symptoms such as visual changes or weakness, consult your doctor to rule out serious medical causes.

Article by Simon El Malek

Looking for support? Book your initial consultation with Simon HERE.