Migraines: A Whole-Body Perspective and How Osteopathy Can Offer Support
Migraines are far more than just severe headaches. They are a complex neurological condition characterised by intense, often one-sided, throbbing pain, frequently accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. For sufferers, migraines can be disabling, significantly impacting work, social life, and wellbeing.
It is important to understand that osteopathy does not cure migraines. However, as primary healthcare practitioners, osteopaths can play a valuable role in a multidisciplinary management plan by addressing potential musculoskeletal factors that may contribute to the frequency or severity of migraine attacks.
Key Facts About Migraines
A Neurological Disorder: Migraine is recognised as a disorder of the nervous system, involving changes in brain activity and blood flow.
Highly Prevalent: Migraine is a common condition, affecting approximately 4.9 million Australians. It is more prevalent in women.
Beyond Head Pain: Symptoms can include aura (visual or sensory disturbances), nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and extreme fatigue.
Individual Triggers: Triggers vary widely and can include hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, sleep disturbances, and environmental factors.
Common Causes and Potential Musculoskeletal Contributors
The exact cause of migraines is multifactorial and involves genetic, neurological, and environmental components. From an osteopathic perspective, we assess how musculoskeletal issues may act as potential triggers or aggravating factors:
Cervicogenic Influence: Dysfunction in the upper cervical spine (neck) is a well-recognised contributor for some individuals. Joint restriction, muscle tension, and nerve irritation in this area can refer pain to the head and trigger or mimic migraine symptoms.
Muscle Tension and Posture: Chronic tension in the neck, shoulder, and jaw (TMJ) muscles, often related to stress or poor posture, can be a significant trigger for tension-type headaches and may lower the threshold for a migraine attack.
Trigeminal Nerve System: The trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensation in the face and head, is central to migraine pathology. Musculoskeletal tension in the head and neck can influence this system.
Systemic Health: While osteopaths do not treat systemic diseases, we recognise that overall physical health, including hydration, sleep, and stress levels, impacts the musculoskeletal system and neurological excitability.
How Can Osteopathy Help with Migraine Management?
Osteopathic care for migraine patients focuses on a holistic assessment and gentle treatment aimed at reducing somatic (bodily) dysfunctions that may be contributing to the headache cycle. We work as part of your healthcare team.
During your initial consultation, we will:
Take a detailed history of your migraine pattern, triggers, and general health, encouraging you to maintain communication with your GP or neurologist.
Perform a physical examination with a focus on your posture, and the mobility of your cervical and upper thoracic spine, shoulders, and jaw.
Palpate for areas of restriction, tension, or tenderness in the muscles and joints of your neck and head.
Our goal is to identify and treat musculoskeletal findings that may be relevant to your condition.
What Does Osteopathic Treatment Involve?
Treatment is always gentle and tailored to your comfort. It may include:
Reducing Cervical Spine Tension: Very gentle articulation and soft tissue techniques to improve mobility and reduce muscle tightness in the upper neck, aiming to decrease potential nerve irritation.
Addressing Muscle Hypertonicity: Soft tissue massage and myofascial release for tense muscles in the neck, shoulders, and suboccipital region (base of the skull).
Improving Postural Mechanics: Treatment may extend to the upper back and ribs to promote better overall posture, which can reduce sustained strain on the neck.
Providing Personalised Advice: We may offer guidance on:
Ergonomics and Posture: For work and daily activities.
Stress Management Techniques: Such as breathing exercises.
Gentle Stretches: For the neck and shoulders to be used preventatively.
Lifestyle Factors: Reinforcing the importance of hydration, regular sleep, and diet as discussed with your GP.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
A migraine diagnosis must be made by a medical doctor. It is essential to consult your GP or a neurologist for proper diagnosis and to develop a comprehensive medical management plan. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a headache that is:
Sudden, severe, and "the worst of your life" (thunderclap headache).
Accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, or weakness/numbness.
Following a head injury.
A significant change in your usual migraine pattern.
These could be signs of a more serious neurological condition requiring immediate investigation.
Take a Collaborative Approach to Your Care
Managing migraines effectively often requires a team approach. Osteopathy can be a valuable component, offering hands-on care to address the physical tensions that may be linked to your condition.
If you suffer from migraines and suspect musculoskeletal factors may be involved, osteopathic assessment and treatment may provide supportive benefit alongside your established medical care.
Click here to schedule an appointment. We will work with you, and in communication with your other health providers, to support your overall management strategy.
References
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management. [Link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150]
*Luedtke, K., Allers, A., Schulte, L. H., & May, A. (2016). Efficacy of manual therapy interventions for the management of migraine and tension-type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 56(4), 674-700. [Link: https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/head.12765]*
Headache Australia. (2023). Understanding Migraine. [Link: https://headacheaustralia.org.au/migraine/]
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners who can assess and treat musculoskeletal components of headache. Always consult a registered health practitioner, such as your General Practitioner (GP) or neurologist, for the diagnosis and medical management of migraine and other headache disorders. Osteopathic care is a complementary approach and should be integrated with your overall medical management plan. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary. The information provided is based on the best available evidence at the time of publication.