Case Study: Headache
The Problem
Recently a middle aged woman named Renae presented to an Osteopath at Healthwise with Headaches. Renae had a history of headaches for the past ten years. The pain was located on the right side of her head, and behind the right eye.
Her pain was a dull aching pain of mild to moderate intensity. She had the pain daily, usually on waking in the morning, and the pain normally settled during the middle of the day. When asked about how it began, Renae said that it started after a minor car crash 10 years previously.
Renae felt that her pain was aggravated by neck movement, especially looking over her shoulder to reverse her car, she said that her head felt heavy like a metal ball.
Renae consulted her Doctor who advised medication, which helped a little, however she did not want to become reliant on pills.
Renae's Osteopath found her neck to be restricted, with tight muscles, her posture to be slumped, and when he pushed on the very top of Renae's neck it caused her pain, just like her headaches.
Based on the above findings the Osteopath decided that the cause of Renae's headaches was cervico-genic: meaning originating from the spine.
The Treatment
Renae's Osteopath decided to trial some treatment over the next few weeks. The treatment included manipulation, mobilisation, massage, and ultrasound of Renae's neck and upper back. The aim of the treatment was to release muscle tension in the area, and improve the mobility of the joints in the top of the neck. Renae's Osteopath also gave her advice on her posture, some stretches, and relaxation techniques.
After the first week of treatment Renae did not find much relief from her headaches, however by the fourth treatment her headaches had halved in frequency.
Now Renae does get the occasional headache in stressful periods at work, but a treatment by her Osteopath every six weeks keeps her on top of these.