Headache & Migraine Treatment in Kew, Melbourne
Headaches can wipe out a day, or a whole week. Some start in the neck and shoulders, some come with stress and long days at a screen, and some are migraines with their own set of triggers. Headaches and migraines are a particular interest of Jye's at our Kew clinic. We look at the whole picture, from your neck and jaw to your sleep, stress and routine, and work out what's feeding your headaches.
Types of Headaches We See
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Tension-type headaches: A band of pressure or tightness around the head, often linked to stress and tight neck and shoulder muscles.
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Neck-related headaches: Also called cervicogenic headaches. Usually one-sided, starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward, often with a stiff neck.
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Migraines: Throbbing headaches, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, sometimes with visual changes beforehand.
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Jaw-related headaches: Headaches around the temples linked to jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
Many people have more than one type. Working out which ones you get is the first step.
What Triggers Headaches?
Headaches rarely have just one cause. Common contributors include:
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Neck stiffness and tension: Especially after long days at a desk or a poor night's sleep.
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Stress: One of the most common triggers for both tension headaches and migraines.
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Sleep: Too little, too much or an irregular routine.
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Missed meals and dehydration: Often overlooked, and easy to change.
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Screen time: Long stretches without breaks.
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Jaw clenching: Often happens without you realising, especially when stressed or asleep.
How Osteopathy Can Help
What we can do depends on the type of headache you have.
Tension and Neck-Related Headaches
This is where hands-on treatment and exercise can help most. We work on stiffness and tension in the neck, upper back, shoulders and jaw, and give you exercises to build strength and endurance so your neck copes better day to day.
Migraines
Osteopathy isn't a replacement for medical care for migraine, and we'll always work alongside your GP or neurologist. Where we can help is with the neck and shoulder tension that often comes with migraines, and with spotting and managing triggers like sleep, stress, posture at work and routine.
Finding Your Triggers
We'll help you track your headaches and look for patterns, so you understand what sets yours off and what you can realistically change.
Jye Adamson, Osteopath
"Migraines are one of my main interests, partly because I've dealt with them myself. I know how much they can take out of you, and I've spent a lot of time learning what sets them off and how to spot the patterns."
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment is 45 minutes. We'll go through your headache history in detail: when they started, how often, what they feel like and what seems to set them off. Then we'll assess your neck, upper back and jaw. If anything suggests your headaches need medical review, we'll tell you and help you get it. Otherwise, you'll get treatment on the day and a plan you can start straight away.