Headache and Migraine Article in Frontline

In the recent ‘Frontline’ journal (which is theto know the nature of their headache disorder, its
official journal of the Chartered Society ofoutcome and possible types of treatment.
Physiotherapists in the UK) an article was publishedWhat has yet to gain acceptance is my (and that of
which discussed my approach and also the clinical trialothers) belief, supported by my unparalleled clinical
being conducted by Dr Ian Davidson at the Universityexperience and a significant body of international
of Manchester. The trial is investigating theresearch, that it is incorrect to consider headache and
effectiveness of my approach in migraine sufferers.migraine types as totally different entities and that
One of the participants of the trial, Sonja Lord,cervicogenic (neck) disorders can be instrumental in
reported dramatic results describing “I feel likethe headache and migraine process.
I’ve had a spring clean in my head. Colours areAlthough Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy
really vibrant.” Ms Lord had had years ofare different disciplines, we are supporters of the idea
medication and dietary advice without success. This isthat headache and migraine sufferers, no matter what
a story I hear all too often – if other approachestheir diagnoses, can be helped to live their lives more
have failed and your neck has not been examined foreffectively through appropriate neck treatment.
relevant disorders (unlike Sonja’s), then your painfulHowever, because treatment of the neck does not fit
journey may continue when it need not.the medical model of headache and migraine, the
YourHeadacheSoultions.co.uk is one voice of themodel has demonstrated little interest in exploring this
Watson Headache Institute.as an option. It is essential that all factors, which have
The Watson Headache Institute was established tothe potential to sensitise the brainstem, be investigated
increase the awareness of cervicogenic (neck)equally. Currently this is not the situation – the neck
disorders in headache and migraine by imparting myis largely disregarded.
(and that of others) clinical experience and knowledge;So, whilst is also about Education, it is also a directory
to present and discuss past and present relevantfor headache and migraine sufferers to source
research and to undertake and support rigorous clinicalpractitioners who have a particular interest in and are
and scientific research in this specialty.skilled in examination of the neck as a source of your
Appropriate and up-to-date knowledge isheadache or migraine – to create a more
self-empowering; I believe that every headachecomprehensive approach and provide an alternative,
sufferer has the right to know their headachemedication-free treatment.
diagnosis as precisely as possible (and what it means),