We all encounter stresses of different sorts on a daily basis. In my role as an Osteopath I am often treating people as a result of varied physical stresses to the body.
Obviously stress comes in a mental form too. It is clear sometimes in my patients that some of what I treat in them, is a manifestation of this mental form of stress. Left untreated, this can build up and create a great deal of discomfort. Ongoing stress can also alter chemical pathways in our bodies, and hence it’s internal functioning.
Treating problems arising from stress and tension is an everyday part of Osteopathic treatment. Below are a couple of ways of trying to manage these problems.
A common result of holding stress and tension in the head and neck, is a “tension headache”. Often these are felt in the base of the skull. Its not uncommon for the nerves passing through this area to be aggravated by this tension, which can cause the pain to travel over the head, to the forehead and eye region.
These exercises shouldn’t cause pain, if you experience a problem, stop the exercise and consult your Osteopath or other medical practitioner. If you have an existing complaint, it would be wise to consult your practitioner to check these exercises are appropriate for you.
A simple way you may be able to relieve some of this tension yourself is with this simple massage technique. (Please note, there may be other factors creating your symptoms. So this exercise may not work in isolation. Persistent symptoms should be checked by your GP and/or optician.)
