Headaches are one of the most common health issues affecting people around the world.
Types of Headaches
Headaches can be categorized into two main types: primary and secondary headaches.
Primary Headaches: These are the most common type of headaches, where the pain originates in the head itself. There are two main kinds of primary headaches:
Tension-Type Headaches: These account for about 40% of all headache cases. The pain in this type of headache often comes from tightness in the muscles around the head and neck. Various factors can trigger tension headaches, including stress, environmental changes, and physical strain.
Migraine Headaches: These make up about 10% of headache cases. The exact cause of migraines is still unclear, but researchers believe it involves problems with blood vessels inside and outside the brain, as well as an overactive nervous system.
Secondary Headaches: These are less common and result from other underlying health issues, such as sinus infections, brain aneurysms, or meningitis.
How Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT) Can Help
A review by Jara Silva, Joseph, Khatib, and colleagues in 2022 looked at various studies and found strong evidence that Osteopathic Manual Treatment (OMT) can effectively reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of primary headaches.
OMT involves hands-on techniques used by osteopaths to diagnose and treat patients. It focuses on the body's framework, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and the nervous system.
Osteopaths can use several methods to help with headaches, such as:
Myofascial Release: This technique targets the muscles around the head and neck to relieve tension.
Structural Manipulation: By using gentle adjustments, osteopaths can improve the mobility of the neck and back, which helps increase blood flow and nerve function.
Occipito-Atlantal Decompression: This method focuses on the base of the skull and upper neck to support the function of the cranial membranes and central nervous system.
Cranial Osteopathy: This approach helps balance the cranial membranes and improve the health of the central nervous system.
Conclusion
If you're suffering from primary headaches like tension-type headaches or migraines, Osteopathic Manual Treatment could be an effective option to help manage your symptoms.
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References: Jara Silva C. E, Joseph, A. M., Khatib, M. et al. (August 09, 2022). "Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and the Management of Headaches: A Scoping Review." Cureus, 14(8): e27830.
