Headaches (& Neck/Upper Back Pain)
We 'carry the weight of the world' on our upper back and neck region. This is such a common area for pain and dysfunction, especially in this day and age of increased computer/screen use. Long, sedentary days in an office, staring at a screen, are a perfect way of irritating these parts of the body. It has been estimated that up to 90% of headaches are tension-type headaches. These are heavily influenced by what is happening in you neck, shoulders and jaw region, as well as straining your eyes. An osteopathic assessment of head and neck pain will include various orthopaedic and neurological screening tests, to make sure that your headaches and/or neck pain are not due to the very small percentage of such cases caused by serious underlying issues.
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We will also want to look at all of the areas mentioned above.
All the 'grinders' out there will know how clenching your jaw can give you a whopper of a headache, so a jaw (known technically as a TMJ or temporomandibular joint) examination is nearly always a must.
Likewise, the stress and tension in the shoulder and upper back region can have a big impact on these presentations.
By identifying and treating involved areas, and giving you some simple stretching and strengthening exercises, fairly rapid improvement in symptoms is common; although if there is a strong postural (i.e. habitual) component, you may have to be diligent with your exercises and body awareness!
All the 'grinders' out there will know how clenching your jaw can give you a whopper of a headache, so a jaw (known technically as a TMJ or temporomandibular joint) examination is nearly always a must.
Likewise, the stress and tension in the shoulder and upper back region can have a big impact on these presentations.
By identifying and treating involved areas, and giving you some simple stretching and strengthening exercises, fairly rapid improvement in symptoms is common; although if there is a strong postural (i.e. habitual) component, you may have to be diligent with your exercises and body awareness!