So you have recurrent headache, you need an action plan!

Headaches are one of the most frequent health complaints. There are many different types of headaches, and they vary in duration, severity and the symptoms that go along with pain. Having an action plan in place, especially in more severe headaches such as cluster headache and migraine, can reduce the severity and duration of your headache.

Developing an Action Plan

You can work with your Osteopath or another health practitioner to develop a plan. It is important to consider different medications that your GP or Neurologist has prescribed or recommended. It is also important to think about what your triggers are and what you have had success with in the past.

What is in an Action Plan?

Your action plan should include:

• Your diagnosis, if you have a more severe type of headache and have been to a Neurologist.
• Normal recurring symptoms.
• The steps you normally take to ward off/treat a headache or migraine.
• Your known triggers.
• Any other advice given to you by your health professional.

The Koru Headache Action Plan looks like this:

You can download a PDF of this file here:

Management is different for different types of headaches

Different headaches have different causes and mechanisms. This means that management strategies will differ depending on the cause. As an example, a cervicogenic headache (headache coming from your neck) will respond to strategies focused on relieving tension in the neck. Conversely, a migraine often responds well to sleep, which may be the only way to get through it.

Some of the steps you might use once a headache starts include:

• Take medication prescribed by your Neurologist or GP.
• Have a big drink of water.
• Put a cool face washer on your face or neck.
• Put a heat pack on your neck.
• Have a 15 minute lie down, or listen to a short meditation or mindfulness recording.
• Go for a short walk outside or away from your desk.

Headache/Migraine Management is often about Prevention

Although it is good to have a plan in place for when a headache starts, the best action we can take is to prevent them happening in the first place.

Recognising your triggers, which are different for everyone, can help to prevent headaches/migraines.

Lifestyle factors and routine play into headaches and migraines in a big way. Try to establish a solid routine, including eating, sleeping and waking at the same time each day.

If you would like some help making a headache action plan, BOOK ONLINE HERE give us a call on 03 9736 9408.