Manage pain with the Watson Headache Approach
With over 200 different headaches recognised by the International Headache Society, the impact on one’s life can be substantial. Symptoms range from an annoying ache to debilitating pain impacting all five senses.
As with many chronic conditions, it can take many years of GP visits and treatment modalities to find what only feels like a temporary answer. At the Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, we utilise the latest methods to treat your head pain directly.
The development of the Watson Headache Approach
Over the last 20 years, research surrounding headaches and migraines has focused on the relationship between the upper cervical spine and the brainstem. Dr Dean Watson, PhD, has been one of the leading minds in this research and, in 1997, developed the Watson Approach®.
Dr Watson, PhD, has found that over 80% of migraine cases are caused by dysfunction in the neck’s upper three vertebral joints. The Watson Approach® is a non-invasive manual therapy methodology that has been taught worldwide for over 20 years. It examines and manages the possible relationship between your migraines and your neck.
How the Watson Approach works
The Watson technique works with the power of ‘reproduction and resolution’. The treatments begin with an assessment of the cervical spine, looking for ‘misbehaviour’ within the neck that can lead to sensitisation of the brainstem, creating migraines.
Once dysfunction within the cervical spine is resolved, the treatment moves to desensitisation of the ‘headache centre’ of the brain stem to stop the recurrence of headaches, migraines and their related symptoms.
The approach is gentle and doesn’t use neck cracking but rather sustained pressure to the appropriate upper neck joints.
The Watson Headache Approach® is the only scientifically validated manual therapy approach that has been shown to affect the underlying cause of headache, migraine and the related sensitisation of the brainstem.
Are you tired of headaches interrupting your day? Reach out for the tailored care you need.
Types of headaches and migraines
The Watson Approach can be used to help find what is causing you pain and treat a wide range of headaches. Here, we’ll outline different primary headache disorders that the Watson Approach may help.
Cluster headache
Frequent attacks and severe pain on one side of the head. There may be long periods of relief.
Cervicogenic headache
Pain on one side of the head that is radiating down your neck and behind your eye, limiting movement.
Tension-type headache
These headaches can feel like a band of pain wrapped around the head. It can also cause pain on your face and neck.
Vestibular migraine
These migraines are accompanied by vertigo that can cause issues with your balance and nausea.
Abdominal migraine
Characterised by nausea and recurrent stomach pain. You may also experience vomiting and loss of appetite.
Frequently asked questions
When should I seek support?
If you are living with a daily persistent headache, it is recommended that you seek professional help to identify the cause. Likewise, if you are experiencing severe pain that is interfering with your daily life, you should also seek support.
What if neck pain is not the cause of my headaches?
The cause may be an underlying disorder, in which case we offer help through management and pain relief advice.
Is the Watson Approach painful?
The Watson Approach works by slowly applying pressure to the target area. This does not usually cause much pain, though some patients may experience mild discomfort before relief.
Why choose our team?
Compassionate care
We understand how exhausting headaches and migraines can be and offer tailored, compassionate care so you feel supported at all times.
Hands-on experience
Our practitioners have hands-on experience applying the Watson Approach to help patients find relief. Trust in our skills to make a difference.
A Melbourne clinic
Our Melbourne clinic is located in Williamstown, so that we can offer local residents the headache and migraine support they need.
Your Williamstown Watson Headache clinic
Are you tired of dealing with constant and familiar head pain? At the Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group, you can rely on our attentive and dedicated care to help you find relief. Reach out to our friendly staff today to get started on revitalising your health journey.
The Melbourne Headache + Concussion Group (part of Williamstown Health + Lifestyle) base its treatment approach on the Watson Headache Approach®. Williamstown-based Osteopaths Cliff & Pete explore the approach and the evidence supporting it.