Easing Pain and Tension for a Fuller Life

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 of cope with pain and decreased enjoyment of family and recreational 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 been shown to reduce and even prevent headaches, and may play a vital role in your treatment plan.

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 spots 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 headaches.

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 affect women more than men.

Although the exact cause of migraines is not known, some researchers believe 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

Muscle and ligament injuries in the neck often cause referred pain to the head which is experienced as a headache.  These headaches can 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 every day.  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 neck and head.

OTHER TYPES OF HEADACHES

Rebound headaches are very common and are caused by accumulated toxins from overuse of prescription or 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 constriction of blood vessels.

Post-traumatic headaches are a result of head injury and may occur immediately or well after the injury.  Note, pos-traumatic headaches often go hand-in-hand with headaches due to neck injury.

Other kinds of headaches include those caused by sinusitis, allergies, TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), high blood pressure, head and spine infections, glaucoma, meningitis, tumors and strokes.

It is important to receive medical attention for all these types of headaches.  Also, because there is a chance that a sudden severe headache could indicate and emergency, if you ever experience head pain unlike anything you’ve experience before, seek medical help immediately. 

HOW CAN MASSAGE HELP?

Massage helps relieve headaches by releasing tight, shortened muscles, trigger points, and fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles and other structures) in the neck and head.  When 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 beings 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 muscles 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 session to relieve muscle tightness or anxiety may ward off a tension headache.  For more lasting effects, a series of massages may be necessary.

During a severe migraine episode you may not want to be touched.  However, as a preventive measure massage can help reduce accumulated physical and mental stress and, over time, reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes.

RELAX AND FEEL BETTER

Whatever type of headache your have, the relaxing and invigorating effects of massage can relieve tension and lift your mood.  When you focus on the pleasant sensation of relaxation 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.

MEETING YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS  

A doctor’s diagnosis is vital to an appropriate treatment plan.  Always keep your massage therapist informed about your symptoms, medications and state of health so your treatment can be comfortable and effective.  Your therapist will draw from an array of hands-on-techniques to treat your specific headache pattern, and may also use stretching techniques and hot or cold applications.  He or she will be delighted to explain the chosen approach, as well as any specialized training or experience.

COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH

Chronic headaches, no matter what type, usually result from multiple factors.  Injuries, life stress, poor posture, hormonal imbalances, unexpressed emotions, or toxic reactions to medications or alcohol can combine to push you over the threshold to develop a headache.

Reducing any of these stressors can decrease your headaches.  An exercise program or practicing yoga, tai chi, or other movement arts may help reduce stress levels and decrease muscle tension.  Your physician, allergist or licensed nutritionist can assist in managing reactions to food and other substances.

If your headache has a chemical or hormonal factor, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet can help keep your system in balance.  Stress counseling may help you learn to relax and to express your feelings, which can prevent stress from building to a headache.

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.

It is not easy to deal with stress but, you have to be willing to try to conquer it by: maintain a positive attitude, plan ahead, expect the challenges ahead and deal with them, do not procrastinate, and once in a while get a therapeutic massage.