Headaches

The One Body Wellness Podcast

With so many people working from home, the increase in screen and phone time and our disturbances in sleep, I’ve been receiving inquiries on differential diagnoses for headaches.

Many headaches can be hard to diagnose and treat. Manual osteopaths perform a full neurological exam and closely examine the neck as well. We use a pain guide that can help differentiate certain headaches, create an effective treatment for our patients and notice red flags and the need to seek medical attention.

Health Topic: Headaches

What is it?: There are many types of headaches. The most common are tension and vascular (migraines) headaches.

Symptoms: Tension headache symptoms can pose as pain in the neck, head and face, eye disturbances, immobility and sensitivity. Vascular headaches can be unilateral, stabbing and intense pain, have an aura associated with it, dread and dissociation and digestive upset.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Manual osteopaths use a pain protocol, health history and palpation to help determine how to properly treat your headache.

Tips from an Osteopathic Perspective:

If you suffer from chronic headaches I would generally recommend stress reduction techniques such as meditation and massage therapy treatments. Our lymphatic system also needs support during this time, so facial massage and downward dog can be helpful. I would recommend time in nature and deep breathing, and changes in nutrient intake and hydration. I would not recommend high intensity activity and extra screen time. More specifically, a physical exam will tell us what specific muscles and joints are affected and guide us to offering proper home care and treatment.

If you have a sudden onset of a painful headache, seek medical attention.

Contact Nicole Settimi, DOMP, RMT

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Nicole Settimi is a solo mom, an entrepreneur, manual osteopath and registered massage therapist. She built a successful health clinic in Ottawa, Ontario’s downtown core, where she provided healthcare services and a gentle escape from the stressors of daily life. While on maternity leave with her daughter, Nicole has decided to share her knowledge and clinical experience with the podcast world to help empower others to develop a strong sense of awareness and respect within their one body.

Music: Spark Of Inspiration by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com