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Headache Relief With Massage Therapy
Millions of people suffer from chronic headache pain. Although not usually medically serious, the distressing effects of chronic headaches include loss of work time and reduced quality of life, including the constant necessity to cope with pain and decreased enjoyment of family and recreation activities.
Because multiple factors often combine to produce chronic headaches, a multifaceted approach may be the most effective treatment. Therapeutic massage is one approach that has shown to reduce and even prevent headaches, and may play a vital role in your treatment plan
WHAT TYPE OF HEADACHE DO YOU HAVE?
Although many factors and symptoms are often involved in a headache, there are usually classified into the following types
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are episodic, brought on occasionally by stress, or chronic, the daily non-stop variety. Tension headaches vary in pain level and are sometimes accompanied by band-like pressure around the head. They originate from tight, contracted muscles and trigger points (irritable points that refer pain elsewhere) in the neck, head and shoulders. Poor postural habits, mental and physical stress, and disturbed sleep patterns can all contribute to tension habits.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are characterized by intense, one-sided pain, which may extend to the face, jaw and back of the head. They can be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue and sensitivity to light or sound, and can last from several hours to several days. Migraines are often hereditary and effect women more than men.
Although the exacts cause of migraines is unknown, some researchers that a chemical or nervous system imbalance affecting the opening and closing of blood vessels in the head plays a major role. Many factors can contribute to the onset of a migraine. They include stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, food allergies, inconsistent meal patterns, depression and neck injury
Headaches Due To Neck Injury
Muscles ligament injuries in the neck often cause referred pain to the head, which is experienced as a headache. These headaches can often be caused by a sudden trauma such as whiplash, or have a gradual onset from repetitious activities such as working at a computer for hours everyday. Muscle tension and scar tissue in injured areas can limit movement, restrict blood flow and cause trigger points. The end result is pain and inflammation in both the neck and head.
Other Types Of Headaches
Rebound Headaches are very common are caused by accumulated toxins from overuse of over-the-counter pain medications. It's important to determine the cause of the original pain and be treated so you can gradually eliminate your medications.
Cluster Headaches occur in a series, then disappear for months at a time. Like migraines, these severe headaches involve the dilation and construction of blood vessels.
Post-traumatic Headaches are a result of head injury and may occur immediately or well after the injury. Note, post-traumatic headaches often go hand in hand with headaches caused by neck injury.
Other kinds of headaches include those caused by sinusitis, allergies, TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), high blood pressure, head and spine infections, glaucoma, tumors and strokes.
It is very important to receive medical attention for all of these types of headaches. Also because there is a chance that a sudden severe headache could indicate an emergency, if you ever experience head pain unlike anything you have ever experienced before, seek medical help immediately.
HOW CAN MASSAGE HELP?
Massage helps relieve by releasing tight, shortened muscles, trigger points, and fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles and other structures) in the neck and the head. When the muscles and fascia relax and become more pliable, pressure lessens on nerves and blood vessels and circulation improves. This flushes away irritating waste products and brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues, resulting in pain relief. If your headache is due to an injury, massage therapy can promote healing and make restrictive scar tissue more pliable in the muscles and ligaments of the neck.
If poor posture is contributing to your headache, massage can help by relaxing overworked muscle groups. You can then practice specific exercises to become more aware of and help improve postural habits. Finally, as the body relaxes, so does the mind, reducing anxiety that may be part of your headache pattern.
A single massage can provide much needed short-term relief. For example, a session to relieve muscle tightness or anxiety may ward off a tension headache. For more lasting effects, a series of massages will be necessary.
During a severe migraine episode you may not want to be touched. However, as a preventative measure massage can reduce accumulated physical and mental stress and, over time, reduce the frequency and intensity or migraine episodes.
RELAX AND FEEL BETTER
Whatever type of headache you have, the relaxing and invigorating effects of massage can relieve tension and lift your mood. When you focus on the pleasant sensation the persistent grip of pain recedes. The nervous system calms and your breath slows and deepens, restoring a feeling of well being and energy. When you feel better, it's easier to take care of yourself in other ways, such as exercising or changing your diet.
Finally, massage therapy may be one of your most powerful allies in coping with the stress and discomfort of chronic headaches, offering a decrease of headache pain and frequency, and increased enjoyment of work, play and family life.
If you have any questions about this topic or other massage related subjects, please feel free to contact me or Julie here at the website or call us at the clinic.
Have a safe and healthy summer,
Christena Chesney, RMT
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