Cranial osteopathy for headache and migraine relief: mechanisms and evidence

A Cranial Osteopathy is an area of the Osteopathy which focuses on the bones of the skull and face. Cranial Osteopathy is used to treat various health problems, including headaches and migraines.

Dysfunctions of the skull and sacro-cranial system can influence the general health of the body. Cranial techniques are gentle and precise to release tension and restore balance in the skull and face, which can help relieve a variety of symptoms, including headaches and migraines.

Headaches can be caused by various factors, including muscle tension, structural imbalances and problems with the flow of cerebral fluids. Headaches can be relieved by working with the bones of the skull and face, reducing tension in the neck and skull and improving the flow of cerebral fluids.

An Integrative Osteopathy session includes the methodology of Cranial Osteopathy, The osteopath will start with a thorough assessment of the skull and face. The osteopath will look for structural imbalances, muscle tension and signs of dysfunction in the skull or face.

Scientific evidence presents studies that prove the effectiveness of Cranial Osteopathy for treating headaches and migraines. For example:

• A 2007 study concluded that manual therapy with cranial and cervical techniques was effective and should be used to treat women with chronic headaches.
• According to the study “Osteopathy for primary headache patients: a systematic review”, published in the Journal of Pain Research in 2017, osteopathy can be effective in treating patients with primary headaches. The study concludes that osteopathy can be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with primary headaches.
• According to the study “Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques for Migraine Treatment” published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine in 2020, osteopathy can be effective in treating migraine patients. The study states that osteopathic manipulative techniques can be useful in relieving pain, reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and improving patients“ quality of life. It concludes that osteopathy can be a complementary treatment option for migraine patients.

A Cranial Osteopathy is a manual therapy technique that can be used to treat headaches and migraines. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, osteopathy could be an effective treatment option for you. At Integrativa, Cranial Osteopathy is integrated into our sessions of Integrative Osteopathy. Our osteopaths approach the patient and health as a whole, including structural, cranial and visceral osteopathy in their treatment.