What causes headaches?

Headaches can have several different causes, and understanding the type of headache you experience is an important first step.

Tension-type headaches

Tension-type headaches often feel like a dull ache or pressure around the forehead, temples or back of the head. Some people describe a tight band around their head. They may occur alongside tenderness in the neck and shoulder muscles, although muscle tension is not necessarily the underlying cause.

Stress, fatigue and disrupted sleep can also contribute to headache symptoms.

Cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the neck. They are often associated with neck pain or restricted movement, and the pain may begin at the base of the skull before spreading towards the forehead or one side of the head.

Certain neck movements or sustained positions may aggravate the symptoms. A thorough assessment is important to distinguish cervicogenic headaches from other types of headache.

Migraines

Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also experience visual disturbances or other symptoms known as aura.

Neck discomfort can occur before or during a migraine, but this does not necessarily mean that the headache originates from the neck. Migraine may require specific medical treatment and management.

Jaw-related headaches

Problems affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which connect the lower jaw to the skull, or the surrounding muscles can be associated with headaches, particularly around the temples.

People experiencing jaw-related symptoms may also notice facial pain, jaw clicking, difficulty opening their mouth comfortably or a tendency to clench their teeth.

Headaches can have several overlapping triggers, so it is important not to assume that neck tension or jaw problems are always the cause.

How can the neck contribute to headaches?

The muscles, joints and other structures in the neck work together to support your head and allow movement. Pain or dysfunction in these structures can sometimes contribute to headaches.

Potential contributing factors include:

• Prolonged desk work or sustained positions.

• Reduced neck mobility or neck pain.

• Muscle tenderness around the neck, shoulders and base of the skull.

• Repetitive activities or changes in physical demands.

• Stress, fatigue and disrupted sleep.

Posture alone does not necessarily cause headaches, and there is no single ideal posture that everyone needs to maintain. However, spending long periods in one position, particularly when combined with stress or muscle discomfort, may aggravate symptoms in some people.

Identifying your individual triggers can be more useful than focusing on posture alone.

Can jaw tension (TMJ dysfunction) contribute to headaches?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. They work alongside the muscles of your face, head and neck to allow you to speak, chew and yawn.

Problems affecting the jaw joint or surrounding muscles are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). These can be associated with headaches, facial pain and neck discomfort.

You may notice symptoms such as:

• Pain or tenderness around the jaw, temples or in front of the ears.

• Headaches around the temples or sides of the head.

• Jaw clicking, locking or difficulty opening your mouth comfortably.

• Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, particularly during sleep.

• Tension through the jaw, face, neck and shoulders.

The jaw, head and neck are closely connected through their muscles, joints and nervous system. For some people, jaw-related pain and neck discomfort occur together, although the relationship varies between individuals.

How can osteopathy help with jaw-related headaches?

If your headaches occur alongside jaw pain, facial tension or neck discomfort, an osteopathic assessment may help identify whether musculoskeletal factors are contributing to your symptoms.

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include gentle manual techniques directed at the neck, jaw and surrounding muscles, alongside advice on jaw relaxation, movement and other self-management strategies.

Treatment involving the jaw should be tailored to your symptoms and provided only where appropriate and within the practitioner's training and scope of practice. Your osteopath can also discuss whether referral to your dentist or GP would be more suitable.

If you experience persistent jaw pain, locking, difficulty eating or significant changes in your bite, seek assessment from your dentist or GP. Dental assessment is particularly important if you suspect that teeth grinding or a dental problem may be contributing to your symptoms.

Can osteopathy help with headaches?

Osteopathy may be helpful for some people whose headaches are associated with neck pain, restricted movement or musculoskeletal tenderness.

Your osteopath will take a detailed case history to understand your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, how often it happens, how long it lasts and whether anything makes it better or worse.

An assessment may include examining neck and upper back movement, muscle tenderness and other relevant physical findings. Where indicated, your osteopath will also consider whether your symptoms warrant further medical assessment.

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:

Gentle manual therapy: techniques directed at relevant muscles and joints to help improve comfort and movement.

• Soft tissue techniques: to address muscle tenderness and discomfort around the neck and shoulders.

• Jaw and facial techniques: where appropriate, to address musculoskeletal discomfort associated with the jaw.

• Movement and exercise advice: tailored to your symptoms, activity levels and daily routine.

• Practical self-management strategies: including advice on taking movement breaks, managing physical demands and identifying possible triggers.

Research suggests that manual therapy and exercise may help some people with cervicogenic headaches. There is also some evidence of benefit for tension-type headaches, although findings vary. Evidence for migraine is more limited, and osteopathy should not replace appropriate medical assessment or established migraine treatment.

Treatment is individualised, and results cannot be guaranteed. Your osteopath will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and suitability of treatment for your particular symptoms.

What can you do at home to help manage headaches?

Alongside appropriate assessment and treatment, there are several practical steps that may help you manage your symptoms.

1. Take regular movement breaks

If you spend much of the day working at a computer, try changing position regularly and taking short breaks to move your neck, shoulders and upper back.

Small, frequent changes can be more helpful than trying to maintain a rigid posture throughout the day.

2. Keep active

Regular physical activity supports general wellbeing and may help some people manage recurring headaches. Choose activities that feel comfortable and build up gradually.

If exercise consistently triggers headaches, or your symptoms change significantly, seek medical advice.

3. Pay attention to sleep and stress

Poor sleep and stress can contribute to headache symptoms. A consistent sleep routine and finding manageable ways to relax may help reduce the impact of these triggers.

If you notice that you clench your jaw when stressed, try to become aware of the habit and allow your jaw to relax when you are not eating. Avoid forcing the jaw into uncomfortable positions.

4. Stay hydrated and eat regularly

Dehydration and missed meals can trigger headaches in some people. Regular meals and adequate fluid intake are sensible starting points.

If you experience migraine, identifying your individual triggers can be particularly helpful, as triggers vary considerably between people.

5. Keep a headache diary

Recording when your headaches occur, their severity, associated symptoms, sleep, meals, medication and possible triggers can help you and your healthcare professional identify patterns.

It may also be useful to note neck stiffness, jaw discomfort and, where relevant, any relationship with your menstrual cycle.

A headache diary can provide valuable information when discussing your symptoms with your GP or osteopath.

When should you seek medical advice?

Not every headache is suitable for osteopathic treatment, and some symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

Seek emergency medical help if you develop:

• A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity within minutes.

• A headache accompanied by new weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of consciousness or sudden loss of vision.

• A severe headache with fever, a stiff neck, a rash or marked drowsiness.

• Seek prompt medical advice for a new or progressively worsening headache, a significant change in your usual headache pattern, headaches following a head injury, or headaches accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

• If you are experiencing frequent headaches, headaches that interfere with daily life or symptoms that are not improving, speak to your GP. They can help establish the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

• If you are unsure whether your headache is suitable for osteopathic assessment, your GP is a good first point of contact.

Osteopathy for headaches in Ealing and West London

If you experience headaches alongside neck pain, shoulder tension, restricted movement or jaw discomfort, an osteopathic assessment may help establish whether musculoskeletal factors could be contributing to your symptoms.

At Osteopathy West London in Ealing, we take the time to understand your individual concerns, assess relevant areas and discuss an appropriate management plan.

We can also advise you when further medical or dental assessment may be appropriate, helping you make informed decisions about your care.

Concerned about headaches, neck pain or jaw tension? Feel free to book an appointment online at osteopathywestlondon.com Where you can also book a free video consultation with one of our osteopaths who will be happy to talk through your pain or condition.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.