Headaches and migraines

Headaches can feel like a frustrating mystery. Sometimes they come on gradually, other times they hit without warning. For some people, it’s a dull ache at the end of a long work day; for others, it’s a debilitating migraine that interrupts life completely.

While headaches are incredibly common, they’re not all the same. Understanding what type of head pain you’re experiencing can make a big difference in how you manage it and if osteopathic treatment may be able to help.

The Different Types of Head Pain

Not all headaches are created equal. Getting a clear understanding of the source of your symptoms (especially if they’re frequent or worsening) is essential for effective management. Here are some of the more common types of headaches:

Tension-Type Headaches

These are the most frequent kind. They usually feel like:

• A tight band or dull pressure around the forehead or back of the head

• Ache that builds slowly and can last for hours

• Triggered by stress, muscle tension, or eye strain

Cervicogenic Headaches

These originate from structures in the neck and are often mistaken for other types:

• Pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head or behind the eyes

• Often aggravated by neck movement or poor posture

• Can feel one-sided and persistent

Migraines

A more complex neurological condition, migraines often involve:

• Throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

• Nausea or visual disturbances (auras)

• May last for hours to days, and can significantly impact daily function

Other Types of Headaches

• Cluster headaches: Intense pain around one eye, often occurring in patterns or “clusters”

• Sinus-related headaches: Often accompanied by nasal congestion and facial pressure
  

Common Triggers and Contributors

Headaches can be influenced by a range of physical, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Understanding your unique combination of triggers is key, and that’s where a thorough osteopathic assessment may help. Common triggers may often include:

• Postural strain: Long hours at a desk or on devices can overload the neck and shoulder muscles

• Jaw tension and clenching (especially during sleep or stress)

• Dehydration

• Hormonal changes

• Poor sleep or sleep position

• High stress or nervous system dysregulation

• Sensory overload from light, noise, or screens

• Poor breathing mechanics, especially chest-dominant or shallow breathing

Supporting Your Recovery—The Osteopathic Way

At VIP Osteopathy, we support patients experiencing headache and migraine symptoms by looking beyond the surface. We work holistically, recognising that headache and migraine symptoms may often stem from multiple interconnected factors, including muscular imbalances, posture, breath, and stress.

Depending on your presentation, treatment might include:

• Releasing tension in tight muscles of the neck, shoulders, jaw, and upper back

• Gentle joint techniques to improve mobility and reduce neural irritation

• Cranial osteopathy to address deeper structures and support the nervous system

• Postural education to support healthy movement patterns and desk ergonomics

• Breath coaching or nervous system regulation strategies to reduce recurring triggers

• Personalised management plan including home exercise plan, stretches, lifestyle recommendations and headache tracking

We may also collaborate with other health professionals where needed, because when it comes to headaches, a team approach can make all the difference.

What You Can Do to Feel More in Control

While identifying and addressing the root cause is ideal, a few practical strategies can offer relief in the meantime—and become even more effective when combined with tailored treatment.

• Stay hydrated—dehydration is a surprisingly common trigger

• Prioritise sleep and try to keep a consistent routine

• Check your posture at work or during phone use

• Try gentle neck and upper back mobility exercises

• Practice jaw awareness, especially if you notice clenching during the day

• Use a headache diary to note when pain occurs and identify patterns
  

Recurring head pain is not something you have to "just live with." Whether you’re navigating tension headaches, cervicogenic patterns, or a more complex migraine history, support is available, and it starts with understanding the bigger picture.

Whether it’s tension, migraine, or something in between, we’re help you understand what’s going on and support you in feeling better.