Many people suffer from headaches and don’t know what causing the pain or what to do about it.
Did you know that chronic headaches are one of the most common complaints made to healthcare practitioners every year? Although over-the-counter medications are highly effective, they can be merely a temporary solution for a chronic problem.
Massage Therapy has shown to be effective in treating Migraine and Tension Headaches, it is safe and effective – not just a cover up, as pills.
Tension Headaches
These types of headaches can be caused by muscle spasms, trigger points, TMJ dysfunction, neck alignment, stress, hormonal/chemical changes, dehydration, and stress/anxiety. Tension headaches can show up as a tightness or constricting feeling in the head, as pain in the head or referred pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms, as muscle spasms/pain, as pain in the jaw, or as pain around the temple and behind the eyes. Tension headaches usually do not come with other sensitivities, such as sensitivity to light and sound or nausea.
Migraines
These types of headaches are still somewhat mysterious. They are believed to be caused by neck alignment, chemical/hormonal changes, neurological problems, vascular problems, environmental irritants, food sensitivities, and/or blood sugar regulation. Migraines can be very severe and can last up to several days. These headaches do usually come with some sensitivities, such as sensitivity to light, sound, and nausea/vomiting.
Both Tension Headaches and Migraines have been effectively treated by massage therapy. Not only can massage help relieve headache pain, but it can also help to prevent headaches from occurring.
If you do suffer from chronic headaches, you want to check with your doctor first and provide as much information about your headaches as you can to your massage therapist, so that they can develop a protocol that is right for you.
Give Massage Therapy a try today!