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Headaches

Osteopathy for
Headaches in Bury St Edmunds

Headaches can have many possible causes. Where the neck or surrounding musculoskeletal structures appear to be contributing, osteopathy aims to understand the pattern, improve comfort and movement, and work out whether treatment is appropriate or whether medical review is needed first.
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Joshua Toon M.Ost  |  Registered Osteopath

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About headaches

Headaches are common, but recurring or changing headaches deserve proper assessment rather than being assumed to come from one cause. Some are primary headache disorders, such as migraine, while others may be associated with the neck, medication use, illness or other medical conditions.
When the neck is involved, headaches may sit alongside neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement. Muscular tension and sensitivity around the neck and upper back can also occur with headache symptoms, but they do not explain every headache.

Cervicogenic headache

Cervicogenic headaches are thought to arise from structures in the neck. They may be influenced by neck movement or sustained positions and are often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness.

Tension-type headache

Tension-type headaches often feel like pressure or tightness and may occur alongside discomfort around the neck or shoulders. Management may involve a combination of general health advice, activity and musculoskeletal care where relevant.

Migraine and other headache disorders

Migraine and other primary headache disorders are not simply caused by tight muscles or posture. If your symptoms suggest migraine or another headache disorder, medical diagnosis and appropriate management may be important.

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Assessment and treatment

The main aim of your appointment is to understand the pattern of your headaches. I’ll ask about where you feel them, how often they happen, how long they last, what seems to bring them on and whether you notice any other symptoms alongside them.
If the neck may be contributing, I’ll also look at how your neck and upper back are moving and whether particular movements or positions seem to reproduce or ease your symptoms. If anything about the history does not fit a straightforward musculoskeletal picture, I’ll explain that and advise medical assessment instead.
Treatment depends on what we find and what you’re comfortable with. Where appropriate, it may include:
  • Soft-tissue techniques
  • Joint mobilisation and articulation
  • Manipulation where appropriate
  • Dry needling
  • Advice around activity and day-to-day aggravating factors
Where the neck appears to be contributing, treatment may focus on improving comfortable movement and reducing sensitivity around the neck and upper back. Osteopathy is not presented as a cure for migraine or other primary headache disorders.
There is no set number of appointments that everyone needs. We’ll review how things are changing and whether treatment continues to feel useful as we go.

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When to seek medical advice first

Seek urgent medical advice rather than booking an osteopathy appointment if you have:
  • A sudden, severe headache that reaches maximum intensity quickly or feels unlike any previous headache
  • Headache with new weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, speech difficulty or significant visual change
  • Headache after a significant head injury
  • Headache with fever, marked neck stiffness or severe systemic illness
  • A new or substantially changed headache pattern that is persistent or concerning

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Frequently asked questions about headaches

Osteopathy may be appropriate when the neck or surrounding musculoskeletal structures appear to be contributing to the headache. The first step is to understand the pattern and make sure there is nothing in the history that would make medical assessment more appropriate.
A cervicogenic headache is a headache thought to arise from structures in the neck. It is often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness and may be influenced by neck movement or sustained positions.
Migraine is a primary headache disorder and is not simply caused by tight muscles or posture. Osteopathy is not presented as a cure for migraine. If your symptoms suggest migraine, appropriate medical diagnosis and management may be important.
That can be useful information. Where headaches occur alongside neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement, I can assess whether the neck appears to be contributing and whether musculoskeletal treatment may be appropriate.
A new or substantially changed headache pattern deserves proper assessment. If anything about the pattern is persistent, unusual or concerning, medical review may be the more appropriate first step.
If the history or examination does not fit a straightforward musculoskeletal presentation, I will explain that clearly and advise you on the most appropriate next step rather than continuing with treatment unnecessarily.

Ready to get started?

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If headaches are affecting everyday life and you think the neck may be contributing, you can book an initial consultation to discuss your symptoms and whether osteopathic care is appropriate for you.
Book an appointment