Treating the Root Causes of Headaches with Craniosacral Osteopathy.
By Margaux Clouet d’Orval, Osteopathic practitioner
Wholistic Osteopathy and Wellness, Vancouver
Why Headaches Are Never “Just in the Head”
As an osteopath, headaches are something I understand both professionally and personally. Having experienced them myself, I know how disruptive they can be—affecting concentration, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
In clinical practice, headaches are rarely isolated symptoms. They are often the expression of deeper imbalances involving posture, stress, muscular tension, nervous system regulation, and cranial or vascular restrictions.
My approach focuses on treating the root causes of headaches rather than simply easing pain. By working with the body as a whole, osteopathy aims to restore balance and create long-lasting change.
Understanding Headaches Through a Holistic Osteopathic Approach
Why headaches are rarely isolated symptoms
Headaches can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Stress, prolonged screen work, poor posture, jaw tension, and nervous system overload are among the most common contributing factors.
From an osteopathic perspective, these elements do not act independently. A restriction or overload in one area often creates compensations elsewhere, gradually increasing strain until symptoms such as headaches appear.
The role of stress, posture, and nervous system overload
Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, keeping the body in a constant “fight or flight” state. Over time, this leads to increased tension—particularly in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and upper thorax—areas closely linked to headache patterns.
Osteopathic care aims to reduce this overload and support nervous system regulation, allowing the body to shift back toward balance and recovery.
Common Types of Headaches Seen in Osteopathic Practice
Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are the most frequently encountered in osteopathic practice. They are often associated with:
- Chronic stress
- Muscular tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Postural strain related to desk work or prolonged sitting
- Bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding), particularly at night
Common symptoms include a band-like pressure around the head, pain at the base of the skull, or discomfort across the forehead and behind the eyes. These headaches are typically bilateral and may fluctuate throughout the day.
Migraines and complex headache patterns
Migraines are more complex and usually involve neurological, vascular, and hormonal components. They often present as unilateral pain, frequently accompanied by light or sound sensitivity, nausea, or visual disturbances.
Osteopathy does not aim to treat migraines as a medical condition. However, it can help address contributing factors such as musculoskeletal tension, postural imbalances, stress, and nervous system overload, while encouraging appropriate medical evaluation when needed.
The Craniosacral and Vascular Systems in Headache Treatment
What is the craniosacral system?
The craniosacral system includes the skull, spine, sacrum, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Subtle restrictions within this system can influence nervous system function and pressure regulation.
How vascular tension can influence headaches
The vascular system plays a key role in headaches. Restrictions in cranial, cervical, or thoracic tissues may affect blood flow and venous drainage, contributing to pressure changes and irritation of surrounding structures.
Supporting nervous system regulation
By addressing both craniosacral balance and vascular dynamics, osteopathy supports the body’s self-regulatory mechanisms. This creates an environment in which headaches are less likely to persist or recur.
How Osteopathy Treats the Root Causes of Headaches
A thorough and individualized osteopathic assessment
Every headache is different. A detailed assessment is essential to provide appropriate care. This includes exploring:
- Headache history, frequency, and progression
- Localization of pain and referral patterns
- Triggering and aggravating factors
- Associated symptoms such as sleep disturbances, dizziness, nausea, or sensory sensitivity
Because ENT-related factors can influence headaches, assessment may also include jaw function, vision strain, sinus health, and postural support such as footwear or orthotics.
Identifying red flags is essential. When symptoms suggest a non-mechanical or organic cause, referral to another healthcare professional is always prioritized.
Osteopathic treatment approaches for headaches
Treatment is always adapted to the individual and may include:
- Craniosacral techniques to gently release cranial and dural tension
- Fascial and soft tissue work to reduce strain patterns
- Pelvic and sacral treatment, as the craniosacral system extends throughout the body
The approach is gentle and precise, aiming to reduce tension, improve circulation, and restore nervous system balance.
Expected Benefits of Osteopathic Care
Patients often experience:
- Reduced intensity or frequency of headaches
- Improved neck, jaw, and shoulder mobility
- Decreased muscular tension
- Improved sleep and overall relaxation
- A greater sense of balance and well-being
Long-term results often depend on consistency and addressing contributing lifestyle factors such as stress, posture, and recovery.
Practical Tips to Support Headache Treatment at Home
To complement osteopathic care, the following strategies may be helpful:
- Gentle stretching of the neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Diaphragmatic breathing to support nervous system regulation
- Optimizing workstation ergonomics
- Supporting sleep quality and stress management
- Seeking care early when headaches become recurrent
My Approach to Headache Care
I focused my master’s thesis on headache management and specialize in craniosacral therapy and gentle fascial approaches. What draws me to this area of practice is the complexity of headaches and the way multiple systems interact within the body.
My goal is to help patients treat the underlying causes of their headaches, reduce physical tension, and improve their overall quality of life through a thoughtful, whole-body approach.
Ready to Treat the Root Causes of Your Headaches?
✔ Address the underlying contributors to headaches
✔ Release cranial, jaw, and cervical tension
✔ Support nervous system balance
✔ Improve comfort, function, and quality of life
If you’re dealing with recurring headaches or migraines, you can learn more about our dedicated approach on our Headaches and Migraines osteopathy page.http://urlr.me/79gmrj
Many extended health plans cover osteopathy.
Book an appointment with Margaux for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.
Click here : https://urls.fr/Abrb45
