Migraines and headaches are disabling pains that can seriously affect quality of life. Medication can ease them on the day, but it doesn't address the cause. Osteopathy offers a different angle.
Migraine vs. headache — what's the difference?
- Tension headache — diffuse pain, a "band around the head" sensation, linked to stress and muscle tension
- Migraine — throbbing pain, often one-sided, with nausea and light sensitivity
- Cluster headache — intense, brief pain around one eye, often at night
In all of them, neck and cranial tension play a central role.
The link between the neck and migraines
The suboccipital muscles — at the base of the skull — are often at the root of headaches. When tight, they compress nerves and vessels, triggering or amplifying pain.
Posture also matters: a forward-held head (classic with smartphone use) creates a permanent strain on the cervical spine.
What the osteopath does
In the session I work on several structures:
- The neck — releasing joint restrictions through gentle mobilisation
- The suboccipital muscles — releasing tension via myofascial techniques
- The skull — cranial osteopathy to rebalance the intracranial membranes
- The sacrum — via the craniosacral system, a sacral restriction can influence dural tension
What to expect
Many patients see a drop in the frequency and intensity of attacks from the very first sessions. Results vary depending on how long the headaches have been present and what's driving them.
Practical tips
- Stay hydrated (dehydration is a common trigger)
- Limit screen time
- Keep up gentle, regular physical activity
- Manage stress through breathing or meditation
Osteopathy is particularly effective alongside medical care for chronic migraines.