Osteopathy, headaches and migraines

HEADACHES

Are you one of the many people who experience headaches? Headache symptoms can range from mild pain and discomfort to a debilitating migraine with neurological symptoms and vomiting. Many people who have headaches and migraines also experience fatigue and brain fog which affects their daily activities. 

A HEADACHE AT THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD IS JUST ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS 

Typical headache symptoms vary but can include: 

• slow onset of symptoms

• pain on both sides of your head 

• pain that feels like a tight band or vice around your head 

• pain in the upper neck or back of the head 

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEADACHES

To help you get from pain and discomfort to a point where you can successfully manage your headaches, you will need to get the right diagnosis. There are several types of headaches, including: 

• tension headache

• cervicogenic (from the neck) headache

• migraine 

• cluster headache 

TENSION HEADACHES

With this type of headache you may experience the following symptoms: 

• tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles 

• a feeling of pressure and tightness at the back of the head, forehead or sides of the head. 

• pain that is dull and aching in nature. 

Tension headaches can be described as episodic or chronic

The duration of an episodic tension-type headache can be from 30 minutes to one week. 

Episodic tension-type headaches can become chronic. If your headache frequency is more than 15 days per month for at least 3 months, it is considered chronic.  

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WHAT IS A MIGRAINE? 

A migraine is considered to be a neurological disease which affects about 15% of the population, affecting women (18%) more than men (8%)

A migraine headache can cause severe pain and a throbbing sensation on one side of the head.   Migraines are the sixth most disabling disease in the world. 

MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS 

Migraines can be triggered by movement, light, sound or certain foods. Symptoms can last for four hours to several days

Symptoms may include:

• tiredness

• severe pain on one side of the head

• sensitivity to sound and light 

• nausea, vomiting

• visual disturbances

• irritability

• difficulty speaking

• numbness and tingling

• temporary loss of vision

MIGRAINE TRIGGERS 

• hormonal fluctuations

• light, including glare and flickering light

• certain smells

• fatigue, lack of sleep, irregular sleep 

• weather changes 

• stress

• particular food and drink 

• dehydration

• some medications 

WHAT CAUSES MIGRAINES

There is still a lot to learn about the cause of migraines however there appear to be different factors at play, including genetics, environment and lifestyle. 

Current theories include changes in the brainstem, trigeminal nerve and serotonin levels.  The role of neurotransmitters, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are also being researched.  

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OSTEOPATHY AND HEADACHES

Your osteopath will take a thorough history and ask you questions about your headaches, including their frequency, location, pattern and any associated triggers. If you have neurological symptoms, recent trauma or a sudden change in your symptoms, a referral for further investigations can be made to your G.P.

On assessment, your osteopath will look for any strain or restriction throughout your body.  Common findings with headaches include: restriction of the upper cervical spine, tightness and imbalance of the muscles of the upper back and neck, jaw dysfunction as well as stiffness of the thoracic spine. Additionally, we will address the diaphragm, pelvis and lower limbs.  There may be an underlying scoliosis, sinus issues or a history of sleep apnoea which needs to be investigated.  

WHAT DOES AN OSTEOPATH DO?

Tension, cervicogenic headaches and migraines are very common conditions that we treat. 

We look at your whole body and try to identify issues which may be contributing to your headaches, for example a scoliosis, a history of whiplash, head trauma, sinus congestion or recent dental work.  

Osteopathic treatment is based on the following principles 

• The body is a whole integrated unit

• Structure is related to function

• Each system is inter-related 

• The body has self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms 

We use a range of hands-on techniques to assist with headaches and bring balance to your whole body, including:

• Soft tissue massage and stretching,

• Counterstrain (indirect myofascial release) 

• Functional technique (indirect joint release) 

• Biodynamic Osteopathy in the cranial field

• Joint articulation particularly the upper thoracic and cervical spine

• Muscle energy technique (MET),

• Visceral techniques, including diaphragm release 

• High velocity low amplitude thrust (HVLA)

Tips for managing headaches 

• avoid known triggers related to food, lack of sleep or missed meals. 

• gentle exercise and stretching such as walking and yoga 

• stress management such as meditation or mindfulness 

• rest

• hydration 

When to make an appointment 

• you’re dependent on drugs to manage frequent headaches 

• your headaches affect your daily activities

• you have pain in your back, neck or jaw 

• you want to learn how to manage your headaches naturally

If you are concerned that treatment may trigger a headache, please be assured that a good osteopath can use gentle and indirect osteopathic techniques to ease physical tension and calm the sympathetic nervous system.  

osteopathy near me

Dr. Michelle Sherriff is an osteopath with 20 years experience and consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group

Contact details

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RED FLAGS FOR HEADACHES

Seek urgent medical care if you have any of the following 

• A headache that is severe, abrupt and feels like a thunderclap

• headache associated with fever, seizures, confusion, double vision, stiff neck, numbness or weakness in any part of the body (sign of a stroke)

• Headache following head trauma or injury

• A chronic headache that gets worse on exertion, straining, coughing or sudden movement

• Headache presenting after the age of 50 with no previous history

Movement Milestones at 3 months

Developmental movement Milestones

At three months, your baby's motor strength continues to develop. They will reach for small toys and try to shake or put them in their mouth. You'll notice better head control and lots of kicking and pushing down when their feet are on a hard surface. Here's a quick checklist of baby's Movement Milestones at 3 months​​​​​​​

• Raises head and chest when lying on tummy​​​​​​​​

• Supports upper body with arms when lying on tummy ​​​​​​​​

• Stretches legs and kicks out when lying on tummy/back​​​​​​​​

• Opens and shuts hands ​​​​​​​​

• Brings hands to mouth ​​​​​​​​

• Swipes at objects/toys with hands ​​​​​​​​

• Grasps and shakes small toys ​​​​​​​​

• Pushes down on legs when feet on firm surface ​​​​​​​

Movement milestones Red Flags

If you notice your baby isn't meeting one or more of the following movement milestones, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns​​​​​​​​

• Can't support his/her head well by 3 months​​​​​​​​

• Doesn't reach for and grasp toys by 3-4 months​​​​​​​​

• Doesn't bring objects to his/her mouth by 4 months​​​​​​​​

Osteopathy and Babies

How can your osteopath help? ​​​​​​​​
Osteopaths take a detailed history and assessment to identify areas of tension or restriction in the musculoskeletal system. We assess: ​​​​​​​​

• Primitive reflexes and neurological evaluation​​​​​​​​

• Orthopaedic and osteopathic evaluation​​​​​​​​

• Developmental milestones​​​​​​​​

Osteopathic treatment aims to restore normal function and optimise healthy development for your baby ​​​​​​​​(Read more about osteopathy and babies).
Dr. Michelle Sherriff works in conjunction with general practitioners, maternal health nurses and lactation consultants and can make a referral when indicated. ​​​​​​​​

osteopathy near me

Dr. Michelle Sherriff consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group,

Contact details

Subacromial Bursitis

What is subacromial bursitis?

A common shoulder condition we see as osteopaths is subacromial bursitis. The subacromial bursa is a fluid filled sac which sits under the acromion and “itis” simply means it is inflamed. 

Symptoms of subacromial bursitis

~ shoulder pain, especially on raising your arm overhead

~ shoulder pain that is aggravated by repetitive activity 

~ sensitivity and tenderness over the outer shoulder, especially when pressure is applied (eg lying on that side in bed) 

~ pain that radiates to the outer aspect of the arm (but not past the elbow)

~ as the condition progresses, you may experience pain at the end-range of all movements of the shoulder. 

what causes subacromial bursitis?

The bursa may become inflamed as result of

• Subacromial impingement

• Repetitive overhead activities/overuse

• Direct trauma

• Crystal deposition

• Subacromial hemorrhage

• Infection

• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

You may be at greater risk of subacromial bursitis if your occupation or sport involves repetitive overhead activities. It can also be age-related due to increased subacromial impingement. Sub-optimal posture may contribute to poor biomechanics of the shoulder complex. 

tips for subacromial bursitis

Conservative treatment of subacromial bursitis include

~ Rest, particularly from overhead, repetitive activities 

~ Ice 

~ NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) 

osteopathy and subacromial bursitis

This first step is to confirm a diagnosis of subacromial bursitis. 

Your osteopath can confirm the diagnosis by taking your medical history and assessment of the shoulder.. Subacromial bursitis may present on its own, or in conjunction with other conditions. Often we’ll see subacromial bursitis alongside rotator cuff tendinopathy, biceps tendinopathy or subacromial impingement syndrome.  It is also important to exclude the cervical spine as a cause of referred pain. 

Once a likely diagnosis of subacromial bursitis is made, the aim is to reduce pain and facilitate healing. 

Osteopathic treatment is always based on the following principles 

• The body is a whole, integrated unit  

• Structure is related to function

• Each system is inter-related

• The body has self-healing and self-regulating mechanisms

Osteopaths use a range of techniques aimed to

~ improve biomechanics and range of motion of the shoulder complex

 ~ address muscle imbalances of the shoulder

~ improve mobility of the thoracic and cervical spine

~ minimise postural strain on the shoulder

~ improve lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation 

~ reduce sympathetic tone and restore balance to the whole. 

home exercises for subacromial bursitis

~ You osteopath can provide you with a home exercise program for all stages of subacromial bursitis

osteopathy near me

Dr. Michelle Sherriff consults at Portland Osteopathy and Wellness Group

Contact Details

alternative treatment for subacromial bursitis

Corticosteroid injection under ultrasound  or surgery may be performed if your symptoms don’t respond to conservative treatment. We can refer you to your G.P. for further investigations (eg x-ray or MRI)

Faruqi T, Rizvi TJ. Subacromial Bursitis. [Updated 2020 Jun 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541096/

Hip Pain

Anatomy

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. It has a high degree of stability and range of motion.

The “acetabulum” is composed of 3 components of the hip bone; the ilium, ischium and pubis which merge together in a Y-shaped cartilage. 

The peripheral edge of the acetabulum is deepened by the acetabular “labrum” (a rim of fibrocartilage) which further enclose the femoral head.  The joint capsule attaches around the labrum and to the neck of the femur. The capsule is loose to allow movement but is extremely strong.  

Stability of the hip joint is enhanced by ligaments, including:

• ligament of the head of the femur (ligamentum teres) 

• the iliofemoral ligament

• pubofemoral ligament

• ischiofemoral ligament

How does hip pain present? 

Hip pain tends to affect certain age groups more commonly; the young (0 to 15 years old) 

and people over 45 years old.  Hip pain may present in the buttock, groin, inner thigh or sometimes the knee.  The pain can be dull or sharp. There may be associated stiffness, locking or catching of the joint. Pain may be worse lying on the affected side, or at night. The symptoms may be aggravated by prolonged standing, sitting or certain movements such as stepping out of a car or climbing stairs.  Hip pain may be acute, or chronic (lasting more than 3 months). 

Hip Conditions

There are several common conditions that affect the hip and muscles. However, it is important to exclude referred pain from the spine or other pathology which may require further investigation.  During your examination we assess your gait, posture, lower back, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle joints.   We use osteopathic, orthopaedic and neurological examination to determine a diagnosis for your symptoms.

The most common causes of hip pain that we see include: 

• Osteo-arthritis of the hip joint 

• Tendinopathy affecting the gluteus medius muscle insertion

• Trochanteric bursitis 

Osteopathic treatment aims to restore balance to your whole body, not just the symptomatic region.  We look to:

• increase mobility of the lumbar spine and hip joint

• decrease myofascial tension of the gluteal, piriformis and ilio-psoas muscles

• improve lymphatic drainage

• address strains of the pelvis, sacro-iliac and the lower limb joints

• restore balance and a sense of neutral to your whole body, allowing healthy function.

Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend heat, ice or specific stretching and strengthening exercises to to help you manage your pain.