Migraine is a neurological condition that causes severe headaches along with other symptoms. Osteopathy can help by relieving tension and supporting the nervous system, reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
Through targeted manual techniques, blood circulation is improved, muscles are relaxed, and blockages that often contribute to migraines are released. Osteopathic treatments can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, improving the patient's quality of life. This approach considers the entire body, treating not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes.
Treatment
- Relieving tension
- Improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Treating poor posture and spinal blockages
- Reducing stress through relaxation techniques
- Supporting the nervous system and improving brain-blood flow dynamics
Treatment Goals
- Reducing pain intensity
- Decreasing the frequency of migraine attacks
- Improving quality of life
Causes
- Stress
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Lack of sleep
- Food triggers
- Environmental factors
Symptoms
- Pulsating headaches
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Vision disturbances
Studies
In studies comparing various therapy methods for migraine patients, medications combined with osteopathy showed the best therapeutic success.
Migraine is a widespread condition, affecting about six percent of men and 18 percent of women. An Italian research team led by Francesco Cerritelli investigated whether osteopathy can help relieve migraine pain and prevent future attacks. The study was published in the *International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine*.
Between March and November 2010, 105 migraine patients were examined in the Department of Neurology at the United Hospitals in Ancona. Participants aged 18 to 50 were divided into three groups: one received osteopathic treatment in addition to medication, another received only medication (triptans), and a third group received a placebo treatment.
At the start of the study, the sociodemographic factors, severity of migraines, and quality of life were similar across all groups. After six months, the patients were re-examined and assessed using the *Headache Impact Test (HIT-6)* for frequency, intensity, and impact of their migraine attacks.
The results showed significant differences in treatment outcomes: In the placebo and medication-only groups, the migraine score decreased by 2.11 points. However, for those who received osteopathy in addition to triptans, the score dropped by 8.74 points compared to the medication-only group and 6.6 points compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that osteopathy is an effective therapy for supporting migraine treatment.
