Concussions can happen in an instant, but their effects sometimes linger long after the initial injury. One of the most common of those effects is headaches. Sometimes, they go away on their own. But for some, chronic headaches after a concussion become a daily challenge, impacting work, school, and personal life.
At Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery, our osteopathic therapists regularly work with concussion patients to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches using a range of different techniques. Today, we want to share a case study that illustrates how we were able to help one of these patients, Britney, find relief after a car accident.
The Car Accident That Changed Everything
Britney (not her real name) had just turned 30 when she suffered a concussion from a car accident. In the first few weeks, she experienced several symptoms, including light sensitivity, trouble concentrating, and occasional bouts of dizziness. While these symptoms did eventually fade, one remained: persistent headaches.
After six months of frequent headaches, Britney reached out to Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery, where our team assessed her condition and developed a personalized plan to address her symptoms and reduce her headaches.
How We Addressed Britney’s Concussion-Related Chronic Headaches
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)
Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) is a hands-on approach that enhances blood flow and reduces tension. For Britney, we focused on addressing areas of restricted movement in her neck and shoulders, which had been affected by her concussion.
Our efforts helped reduce muscle tension in Britney’s neck, which was a contributing factor to her headaches. The enhanced blood also helped reduce inflammation and provided some acute pain relief.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a specialized, light-touch technique that focuses on the skull and spine. It’s particularly helpful for addressing chronic headaches after a concussion, and Britney found it effective. She noticed a reduction in her headaches’ frequency and improved sleep quality.
During these sessions, our therapists applied gentle pressure to specific points on Britney’s skull and spine, helping to restore her body’s natural rhythms and reduce her sensitivity to light and noise, which had become a trigger for her headaches.
Therapeutic Exercise
Poor posture or muscle weakness can often intensify headaches, particularly after a period of rest. Britney’s treatment plan included guided stretches and exercises to strengthen her neck and shoulder muscles.
These exercises helped Britney enhance her posture, which relieved pressure on her head and neck. They also helped ease the muscle tension that could trigger her headaches.
Does Britney’s Store Resonate? Let Us Help You!
If chronic headaches after a concussion are impacting your life, the right treatment can make all the difference. Jenna Howe Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery’s osteopathic therapists use proven techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether through hands-on therapy, relaxation techniques, or guided exercises, we’re here to help you reclaim your health.
Ready to find relief? Contact our Victoria BC, or Burnaby, BC clinic today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward managing your headaches.
