Réhabital
Migraine and Headache Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Migraines and chronic headaches limit concentration, sleep and quality of life, often unpredictably. Several distinct mechanisms can produce similar symptoms: neck muscle tension, jaw dysfunction, nervous system sensitization, or dietary and hormonal triggers. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, our approach identifies the factors specifically contributing to your headaches rather than applying a generic treatment, combining complementary disciplines based on your clinical profile.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Headaches fall into several clinical categories that guide treatment. Classic migraine presents as unilateral throbbing pain, often with nausea, light and sound sensitivity, sometimes preceded by a visual aura. Cervicogenic headache stems from upper cervical joint dysfunction and is characterized by pain starting at the neck and radiating to the forehead or eye, often triggered by sustained head positions. Tension headache, the most common type, produces a bilateral band-like tightness linked to stress and tension in the trapezius and suboccipital muscles. Headaches associated with temporomandibular dysfunction come with jaw pain, clicking, and pain while chewing. In many people, several mechanisms coexist, which explains why an isolated treatment sometimes gives partial results. Identifying triggers — sleep, hydration, screens, work posture, hormonal cycle — is an integral part of assessment, along with examining upper cervical mobility and the jaw.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Upper cervical dysfunction
The top three cervical vertebrae share neural pathways with the trigeminal nerve. A joint restriction at this level can trigger referred pain felt as a frontal or orbital headache.
Chronic muscle tension
Prolonged screen posture or sustained stress keeps the suboccipital muscles and trapezius in constant contraction, creating the characteristic bilateral tension headache.
Nervous system sensitization
In people with migraines, the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive to stimuli, lowering the threshold for attacks triggered by previously tolerated factors (light, stress, certain foods).
Temporomandibular dysfunction
A muscular or joint imbalance in the jaw can irritate neighboring structures and directly contribute to headaches, particularly in people who clench their teeth at night.
Hormonal and lifestyle triggers
Hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, dehydration, prolonged fasting and certain foods can lower the threshold for a migraine attack in predisposed people.
Our Treatment Approach
Osteopathic assessment with Shahram Ghasemi examines upper cervical mobility, craniocervical posture and myofascial tension in the neck and shoulders, using gentle joint and myofascial release techniques adapted to each case. Physiotherapy with Colin Teghen Tamuton specifically targets the upper cervical joints with manual mobilization and a postural strengthening program. Acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks in many people with migraines, complementing manual treatment. Massage therapy releases chronic tension in the trapezius and suboccipital muscles that sustain the pain cycle. Naturopathy can support identifying dietary triggers and optimizing sleep and hydration. A headache diary is recommended from the first visit to objectively track triggers and monitor response to treatment.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes: a detailed headache history, examination of cervical and jaw mobility, and discussion of potential triggers. You leave with an initial plan, practical recommendations and, often, a headache tracking diary.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Keep a headache diary noting frequency, duration and possible triggers.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day.
- Take regular breaks away from screens.
- Practice gentle daily neck mobility exercises.
- Limit caffeine and avoid prolonged skipped meals.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Most cervicogenic and tension headaches improve significantly in 4 to 8 weeks with regular manual treatment. Classic migraines respond well to a combined approach, though some people need additional medical follow-up for pharmacological management.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if your headaches are frequent, limit your activities, or come with persistent neck tension. See a physician immediately for a sudden, very severe headache unlike any before, fever, confusion, or a headache following a head injury.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our multidisciplinary team approaches headaches from several complementary angles rather than a single isolated treatment, often improving outcomes for people who have tried multiple approaches without lasting success.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
Related Conditions
Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
Relieve Your Pain Today
Book online or call us for a comprehensive assessment with our qualified professionals.
Book Now