Chrysalis Osteopathic Practice Watford

Osteopaths at Chrysalis Osteopathic Practice Watford see patients with many different conditions, two of the more common complaints are discussed below

Tension headaches

The symptoms are easy to recognise - pain behind the eyes and a throbbing head. Although often triggered by stress or emotional events, an important causal factor is often a constriction of the blood supply as a result of the the muscles at the back of the neck and the base of the skull over-contracting. In addition to neck pain, this may frequently be the cause of a headache. In the immediate terms occasional use of analgesics may help as will a cold towel or compress. However, in the longer term, it is recommended that two actions be taken. First, an investigation of the upper neck area which may need to be manipulated or mobilised in order to promote sufficient blood flow. Secondly, it is important to understand the sources of emotional stress and try to deflect it using a variety of techniques such as yoga, meditation or even regular exercise.

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are frequently the result of a road traffic injury. As a vehicle comes to a sudden stop the head is thrust backwards at great velocity like the end of a whip. Whilst associated with car accidents, whiplash can occur on fairground rides and even from a simple fall. The result may be damage to neck and back discs, joints, ligaments and nerves. The sensitivity of the neck is such that whiplash symptoms can effect all of the body both physically and psychologically. The osteopathic approach is to work these injuries very gently over a number of sessions to carefully treat the tissue and joints. Soft tissue massage techniques will be used to soften the muscle before gentle manipulaiton or articluation techniques are performed in an attempt to restore natural movement ranges.