Understanding headaches and migraines and why osteopathic manual therapy works
Are you living with migraines? We know how difficult they can be–and we recognize the exhausting effects they can have on both your physical and emotional health. Fortunately, osteopathic manual therapy is a natural and effective approach to finding migraine relief.
At Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery, our osteopathic therapists treat patients by assessing their condition and getting to the root of their migraine pain. In addition, our patient-centered methods work to resolve symptoms by addressing the body as a whole, and we consider both physical and psychological wellness.
If you’ve been experiencing migraines, consider contacting our Victoria BC,or Burnaby, BC team for more information on potential treatment.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is more than just a terrible headache. It’s actually classified as a neurological condition that causes persistent, uncomfortable symptoms.
In some cases, patients with migraine disorders may experience something called a “migraine attack,” which can last from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Migraines can be debilitating due to constant pain, especially once symptoms start to affect other systems in the body. These include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or loud noise
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Throbbing pain in the head and neck
- Trouble concentrating
- Facial pain
At your first appointment, we will want to hear about all of your current symptoms and how migraines are impacting your daily life.
What Triggers Migraines?
For most people, certain factors can trigger migraines. Understanding your migraine triggers is often the first step in managing your condition. One of the things our team will do is help you identify potential triggers so you can more easily avoid them.
Here are some common migraine triggers to consider:
- Hormonal changes in women
- Alcoholic beverages
- Excess caffeine consumption
- Reaction to certain medications
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Intense physical exertion
- Sleep disorders or lack of sleep for an extended period
How Can Osteopathic Therapy Help?
Osteopathic therapy is a holistic treatment that aims to treat the patient as a whole rather than the condition alone. We offer several techniques to help address migraine symptoms, including the following:
Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy
- Works by mobilizing your joints to facilitate blood flow and improve mobility.
Soft Tissue Work
- Removes restrictions and relaxes the tissues in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Ergonomic Training
- This may involve posture correction, patient education, and the implementation of certain lifestyle habits that can help prevent migraines.
Our osteopathic therapist will evaluate your condition according to its specific symptoms. We will ask you a series of questions about your pain, its frequency, and how your migraines affect daily activities. This helps us ensure that we provide you with the best quality of care and nurture your health as a whole.
Book an Appointment To Get Started Today!
Migraines can feel like they’re taking over your life. However, our holistic approach can help you manage your symptoms. We have the training and experience to help effectively address migraine disorders.
Contact Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery in Victoria BC, and Burnaby, BC today to schedule your first appointment.
