As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, the hay fever season will inevitably spring (pun intended) into action.

Up to 1 in 4 people in Australia and New Zealand are effected by hay fever, which causes inflammation of the nose and/or eyes (ASCIA). Melbourne, in particular, recorded some of the highest levels of pollen last year and resorted to injecting the London Plane tree (making up 75% of Melbourne’s trees) with hormones in the bid to stop the tree from producing seed pods! Fun fact for the day: Lygon Street was found to be a highly effected area, steer clear!

Now, you might be asking what this has to do with us at CSSM. Studies have shown that hay fever sufferers, as well as other conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections (the common cold), sinus infection and also asthma, can cause a headache. Both migraine and non-migranous type headaches were approximately 1.5 times more likely when suffering from one or a combination of these conditions (Aamodt et al, 2006).

Your osteopath at CSSM is experienced in treating through various structures with the aim to reduce the severity and frequency of these headaches where possible.

When it comes to seeing your Osteopath, we can assist in treating your headache in many ways.

Treating the simplest form of headache, originating from structures within your neck and upper back (Cervicogenic Headache) treatment may involve:

Soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and stretching to offload structures in cervical and thoracic regions, as well as treating accessory muscles of respiration (Sternocleidomastoid and Scalenes to name a few, for the anatomy gurus out there)

–

When there is a sinus or allergy component to your headache treatment may involve:

As above with additional focus through frontal/forehead areas, temples and base of the skull

–

When there is a resolving upper respiratory tract infection or other respiratory condition such as asthma contributing to your headache treatment may involve:

As above with additional focus through the ribs, and possible lymphatic/sinus drainage to assist with the recovery process

–

If you are experiencing headaches, be sure to see one of our therapists at CSSM – we are here to help you!

References

–

ASCIA: The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.

–

Aamodt et al. (2006), Is Headache related to Asthma, Hay Fever and Chronic Bronchitis? The Head-HUNT Study.

–

774 ABC Melbourne (October 2014), Hay fever hope: Melbourne tree injections trial aims to reduce allergens.

–

Body and Soul Melbourne (October 2014), Hay fever misery prediction: some to get off lightly, others to suffer.

Posted 1st October 2015