Stress is one of the most common—and most underestimated—contributors to headaches. While headaches are often attributed to dehydration, eye strain, or poor posture, emotional and psychological stress can have a direct physical impact on the body.
When the nervous system is under prolonged stress, muscles tend to tighten, particularly around the neck, shoulders, jaw, and upper back. This sustained tension can restrict blood flow, alter joint mechanics, and irritate sensitive nerves at the base of the skull—frequently resulting in tension-type headaches or contributing to migraines.
Stress also affects breathing patterns. Shallow or upper-chest breathing increases strain through the neck and rib cage, further reinforcing muscular tension. Over time, this creates a cycle in which stress leads to physical restriction, which then perpetuates pain.
Osteopathic treatment aims to address both the mechanical and nervous system components of stress-related headaches. By gently releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper spine, improving rib and diaphragmatic movement, and calming the nervous system, osteopathy can help reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Equally important is recognising stress as a legitimate physical load on the body. Headaches are not “all in the mind”—they are often the body’s way of signalling overload.