Migraine Relief: How a D.O. Can Help
Migraine headaches can occur occasionally or recur frequently and may significantly interfere with work, sleep, exercise, and everyday activities. Migraine is a complex neurological condition, and symptoms and triggers may vary considerably from one patient to another.
Common Symptoms of Migraine Headaches Include:
- Pulsating or throbbing head pain
- Headache that may worsen with physical activity
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, noise, or certain odors
- Visual symptoms such as flashing lights, spots, or wavy lines in patients who experience migraine with aura
- Temporary sensory symptoms such as tingling or numbness in some patients with aura
Migraine attacks may be associated with a variety of triggers, including stress, changes in sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, hormonal changes, certain foods, alcohol, or other individual factors. In some patients, muscle tension, cervical dysfunction, posture, or other musculoskeletal problems may contribute to headache symptoms or coexist with migraine.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) can evaluate the patient’s headache history, associated symptoms, medical conditions, medications, and physical examination findings. When musculoskeletal dysfunction of the neck, upper back, ribs, or related structures appears to contribute to the patient’s symptoms, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) may be considered as part of the overall treatment plan.
Treatment is individualized. Depending on the type and cause of the headache, management may include lifestyle recommendations, identification of possible triggers, medication when appropriate, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, diagnostic testing, or referral for neurological or other specialist evaluation.
How Osteopathic Care May Help
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are fully licensed physicians who receive comprehensive medical training together with additional education in the musculoskeletal system, osteopathic structural examination, and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.
This allows a D.O. to evaluate headache symptoms from both a medical and musculoskeletal perspective. When examination identifies muscle tension, restricted motion, or other structural findings that may be contributing to symptoms, appropriate hands-on osteopathic techniques may be incorporated into the patient’s care.
When Headaches Require Urgent Evaluation
A sudden severe headache, a new headache associated with weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of consciousness, fever and neck stiffness, significant head injury, new visual loss, or other unusual neurological symptoms requires prompt medical evaluation and may require emergency care.
For recurrent or persistent headaches, a medical evaluation can help determine the type of headache, identify contributing factors, and develop an appropriate treatment plan with the goal of reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.