Osteopathy for Migraines in Barrie

How osteopathy can help

Looking beyond the headache itself

Many headaches and migraines are linked to what’s happening in the neck, upper back and jaw. Long hours at a desk, stress, poor sleep, old injuries and jaw clenching can leave muscles tight and joints stiff, and that tension can play a part in how often headaches show up and how intense they feel.

At your first visit, Ivan takes a detailed history of your headaches: when they happen, what seems to trigger them and what you’ve already tried. He then assesses how your neck, upper back, jaw, shoulders and posture are moving, and treats with gentle techniques such as soft tissue work, stretching and joint mobilization.

Everyone responds differently. Some people notice their headaches come less often or are less intense, while others mainly find that neck and shoulder tension eases. Ivan will talk with you about what’s realistic for your situation and how many visits make sense. Osteopathy can work alongside care from your doctor, and no referral is needed.

Osteopathy may help if you have

• Migraines that seem linked to neck, shoulder or upper back tension
• Tension-type headaches that build through the day
• Headaches that started after whiplash or a concussion
• Jaw tension, clenching or TMJ-related headaches

Osteopathy is not a replacement for medical care. If a headache is sudden and severe, feels like the worst of your life, or comes with weakness, numbness, vision changes, confusion or trouble speaking, get medical help right away.

Want to read more first? See How a Barrie Osteopath Can Help With Migraines or learn more about osteopathy at Edge Health, including concussion recovery.