Headaches & Migraines
Understanding headaches and migraines
Headaches and migraines are among the most common neurological conditions and can range from occasional discomfort to persistent symptoms that significantly impact work, sleep, exercise, and quality of life.
Although pain is experienced in the head, headaches and migraines are often influenced by a combination of mechanical, neurological, vascular, and lifestyle factors. Understanding which systems are contributing is an important part of developing an effective management plan.
The goal of assessment is not only to identify the type of headache, but to understand why it is occurring and what may be contributing to its persistence.
Why do headaches develop?
There is rarely a single explanation for headaches or migraines. Instead, symptoms often develop from the interaction of multiple contributing factors.
Depending on the individual, these may include:
Dysfunction of the neck, particularly the upper cervical spine
Jaw (TMJ) dysfunction or clenching
Upper back and rib restriction
Previous head or neck injuries
Sacral and pelvic dysfunction
Poor sleep or recovery
Stress and increased nervous system sensitivity
Hormonal influences
Visual strain or prolonged screen use
Changes in workload, physical activity, or routine
For many people, it is the combination of these factors, not one isolated issue that maintains the headache pattern.
What does assessment involve?
A detailed assessment helps determine which systems may be contributing to your presentation.
This may include assessing:
Neck and upper back movement
Jaw function where relevant
Muscle tension and connective tissue mobility
Cranial and cervical mechanics
Posture and movement patterns
Previous injuries and medical history
Lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, work demands, and physical activity
Where appropriate, recommendations may also be made for further medical investigation if symptoms are not consistent with a musculoskeletal headache presentation.
Our approach
Treatment is guided by the findings of your assessment rather than a predetermined technique.
Where appropriate, care may incorporate structural, cranial, and biodynamic osteopathic approaches to improve movement, reduce mechanical strain, and support the body's natural ability to adapt and recover. Management also includes identifying and addressing the factors that may be continuing to drive your symptoms, with the aim of achieving meaningful and lasting improvement.
When should you seek assessment?
You may benefit from assessment if you experience:
Frequent or recurring headaches
Migraines affecting work or daily activities
Headaches associated with neck pain or stiffness
Symptoms that are becoming more frequent or intense
Ongoing headaches that have not responded to previous treatment
If you experience a sudden, severe headache unlike anything you have experienced before, or a headache associated with symptoms such as confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, fever, or significant visual changes, seek urgent medical assessment.
Our goal
Our goal is to understand all of the factors contributing to your headaches, improve how the relevant systems are functioning, and help reduce the frequency, intensity, and impact of symptoms over time.
Related Conditions We Treat
Headaches are often associated with neck stiffness, jaw tension or persistent pain. You may also find these pages helpful:
Book an appointment
Whether your headaches are occasional or have been affecting you for years, a detailed osteopathic assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your presentation and guide an individualised management plan.