Headaches, Migraines and Manual Therapy
The cause of headaches and migraines is poorly understood. But the symptoms that are
associated with the onset of a migraine or headache can be well managed with manual therapy
and more specifically Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST).
The cause of migraine headaches is complicated, the current thinking is that a migraine likely
starts when overactive nerve cells send out signals that trigger your trigeminal nerve. This nerve
then sends pain signals to your brain, which releases inflammatory substances into the other
nerves and blood vessels of your head resulting in swelling in the lining of your brain. This
swelling results in pressure build-up and a greater sensation of pain.
The overactivity of the nerves is triggered by certain foods, stress, fluctuating hormones during
a cycle, environmental changes, lack of sleep, medication, and senses. These changes to the
body triggers and stimulates the beginning of a migraine and results in a full-on attack. There is
also a strong genetic susceptibility to getting migraines which will determine the severity and
length of the migraine one experiences.
The good news is that CST helps considerably. The physiology behind CST is to balance
tensions in the head, by altering the fluid flow and membranes around the brain, which in turn
calms the Central Nervous System and reduces its overactivity. CST encourages inherent self-
regulation, self-correction, and self-healing by improving the efficacy of our biological systems.
If you don't want to rely on pain medication or miss work due to aggressive headaches or
migraines then book your appointment with a Cranial-Sacral trained therapist on a regular basis
to help minimize the severity and extent of your discomfort.
Faiza Abdullah MSc. R.Kin. CSEP-CEP
@rkinfaiza