Headache Osteopathy in Crowborough and Rotherfield
Headaches can affect concentration, work, sleep, exercise and everyday quality of life. Some people experience occasional tension-type headaches, while others have recurrent headaches associated with neck and shoulder tension, stress, posture or lifestyle factors.
At TQ Osteopathy, I provide individual osteopathic assessment and care at his clinic in Rotherfield, near Crowborough, East Sussex. An assessment can help explore whether musculoskeletal factors, such as neck and shoulder tension or movement restrictions, may be contributing to your headaches and discuss suitable options for managing them.
Headaches have many possible causes. Osteopathy does not replace medical assessment, and some headaches require prompt medical attention.
Types of headache
Headaches can present in different ways. Common types include:
Tension-type headaches, often described as a band-like pressure or tightness around the head
Cervicogenic headache, where symptoms may be associated with the neck and upper spine
Migraine, which may involve throbbing pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea and visual changes
Medication-overuse headache, which can occur when pain-relieving medicines are used frequently over time
Headaches associated with muscle tension, posture, stress, fatigue or dehydration
NICE guidance covers the diagnosis and management of tension-type headache, migraine, cluster headache and medication-overuse headache in people aged 12 and over.
What may contribute to headaches?
Headaches can arise from several factors, and there may not be one single cause. Possible contributors include:
Neck, shoulder or upper-back muscle tension
Prolonged desk work, screen use or looking down at a phone
Stress, fatigue or poor sleep
Joint stiffness and reduced movement in the neck
Previous neck injury or whiplash-type injury
Dehydration, skipped meals or changes in routine
Frequent use of pain-relieving medication
A careful assessment helps identify which factors may be relevant to your symptoms and allows us to discuss a plan suited to your circumstances.
How osteopathy may help
Osteopathy involves assessing movement and considering how muscles, joints and other tissues may contribute to symptoms. For some people with headaches associated with neck and shoulder tension, assessment and management may focus on the neck, upper back, shoulders and surrounding muscles.
Your initial appointment will include a discussion of your medical history, headache pattern, symptoms and lifestyle, followed by an appropriate physical assessment with your consent.
Depending on your individual circumstances, your care may include:
Advice on posture, workstation setup and everyday activities
Gentle hands-on techniques where appropriate
Individualised mobility, strengthening and relaxation exercises
Guidance on sleep, hydration, screen breaks and activity pacing
Strategies to help identify and manage possible triggers
Treatment is tailored to the individual. No particular treatment or outcome can be guaranteed. If your headache pattern suggests a non-musculoskeletal cause, or if medical assessment is more appropriate, this will be discussed with you.
Your first appointment
Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your headaches, medical history and what you would like help with.
We will:
1. Discuss your headache pattern, triggers, medical history and lifestyle.
2. Carry out an appropriate physical assessment, with your consent.
3. Explain the findings in plain English.
4. Discuss whether osteopathic care is suitable and agree a management plan.
5. Provide advice or exercises to support your recovery between appointments.
If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation or referral may be needed, this will be discussed with you.
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most headaches are not caused by a serious condition, but some symptoms require urgent medical assessment.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a headache with:
A sudden, extremely severe headache
A head injury within the last three months
Numbness, weakness or facial droop
Difficulty speaking, remembering, balancing or walking
Drowsiness, confusion or reduced consciousness
Loss of vision
A seizure
A very high temperature, stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
Seek urgent advice from NHS 111 or your GP if you have a headache with vision or eye problems, vomiting, jaw pain when eating, a sore or tender scalp, or a headache triggered or worsened by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercise.
Osteopathy in Rotherfield and Crowborough
TQ Osteopathy is based in Rotherfield, East Sussex, conveniently located for patients travelling from Crowborough and surrounding villages.
Appointments are available at the clinic, with home visits also available by arrangement.
About Thomas Snook
Thomas Snook is an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council.
At TQ Osteopathy, the emphasis is on individual care: taking time to understand your concerns, explaining the assessment clearly and discussing appropriate options with you.
Arrange an appointment
If you would like to discuss your neck pain and whether an osteopathic assessment may be appropriate, please get in touch.
Telephone: 07493 796676
Email: tqosteo@gmail.com
TQ Osteopathy
Rotherfield, East Sussex
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management. Clinical guideline CG150. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150
NHS. Headaches.
https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/headaches/
NHS. Tension headaches.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tension-headaches/
NHS Scotland Right Decisions. National headache pathway.
https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/neurology-pathways/headache/national-headache-pathway/
General Osteopathic Council. https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/