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Understanding Headaches and Migraines — Causes and Treatment

Explore the link between neck tension, posture, and migraines — and how osteopathic care at Summit Osteo & Performance Ringwood can help manage them.

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About Bayley Forbes | Summit Osteo & Performance

Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.

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Understanding Headaches and Migraines — Causes and Treatment

Headaches and migraines can affect concentration, energy, and daily comfort.
While they’re often dismissed as “normal,” ongoing headaches are usually a sign of muscle tension, posture strain, or joint dysfunction — especially in the neck and upper back.

At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, we assess and treat the contributing factors behind tension headaches and migraines to help you find lasting relief.


Common Causes of Headaches and Migraines

Headaches can originate from a range of physical and environmental factors.
Common triggers include:

Muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, or jaw

Forward head posture or poor desk setup

Stress and fatigue

Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

Dehydration or poor sleep patterns


Migraines, which can include nausea, visual disturbances, or light sensitivity, may be aggravated by the same physical factors combined with hormonal or neurological sensitivities.


How the Neck and Jaw Contribute to Headaches

Many headaches stem from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine and jaw joints (TMJ).
When these areas are stiff or overloaded, they can irritate the nerves that refer pain into the head or behind the eyes.

Addressing these restrictions through manual therapy, posture correction, and mobility work often reduces both frequency and intensity of headaches.


How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopathic treatment takes a full-body approach to managing headaches and migraines.
Your osteopath will assess how posture, muscle tone, and movement patterns contribute to your symptoms.

Treatment may include:

Gentle joint mobilisation and soft-tissue release

Postural retraining and ergonomic advice

Breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce tension

Home mobility and strengthening exercises


The aim is not only to relieve current symptoms but to reduce recurrence by improving how your body functions day to day.


When to Seek Professional Help

If headaches are persistent, worsen with activity, or interfere with sleep and concentration, professional assessment is recommended.
Your osteopath can identify musculoskeletal causes and work alongside your GP if further investigation is needed.

Book an Appointment
or learn more on the Headache and Migraine Treatment in Ringwood page.

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Osteopathy in Ringwood

Neck Pain Treatment in Ringwood

Headache and Migraine Treatment in Ringwood


⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you’re experiencing recurring or severe headaches, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath for individual assessment.

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