HEADACHES

Headaches are one of the most common issues seen at my clinic. Headaches can range from a dull ache to debilitating migraines requiring hospitalisation.

Tension Headache
This is due to a build up of muscle tension at the base of the skull otherwise known as the sub-occipital area. Patients experience pain both at the base of the skull, and as a headache in the forehead, eyes and temple areas. The reason why this occurs is due to tight muscles, inflammation and joint restrictions irritating nerves and blood vessels in the area. This results in the local and referred (travelling) pain of a headache.

Osteopathic Treatment for Headaches and Migraines
The most common cause occurs in the neck and this is where an osteopath can assist you. Treatment for headaches involves improving joint mobility and reducing muscle tension resulting in improved blood supply and drainage from the head and reduced nerve irritation. The second part of the treatment is providing you with stretches and strengthening exercises to assist in reducing the headaches occurring again. Another important factor is improving ergonomics such as the position you sleep, sit and work. I will be able to advise you on the correct things to do.

NECKPAIN

There are several reasons why we experience neck pain. The most common causes I see at the clinic are:

• Stress
• Trauma from sports injuries or traffic accidents
• Poor sitting posture at work
• Wear & tear over time
• How we sleep at night

Whilst taking muscle relaxants and painkillers can give you temporary relief, the problem is that as soon as the drugs wear off, so does the relief.

In my experience, the best way to find relief from pain is to find and treat the source.

Because osteopaths are experts at finding and treating the cause of your pain, I can provide a suitable treatment plan to help your body heal.

SHOULDER PAIN

Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories:

• Tendon inflammation (bursitis or tendinitis) or Rotator cuff tear
• Instability
• Arthritis
• Fracture (broken bone)

ROTATOR CUFF

Symptoms & Causes
The pain associated with a rotator cuff injury may:

• Be described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder
• Disturb sleep, particularly if you lie on the affected shoulder
• Make it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back
• Be accompanied by arm weakness

Rotator cuff disease may be the result of either a substantial injury to the shoulder or to progressive degeneration or wear and tear of the tendon tissue. Repetitive overhead activity, heavy lifting over a prolonged period of time, and the development of bone spurs in the bones around the shoulder may irritate or damage the tendon