Do you suffer from headaches or migraines? The causes of headaches and migraines can range and can be a debated topic. Although there are different causes that can trigger headaches and migraines, from a myofascial therapy point of view, we often find that tension and dysfunction in certain muscles of the upper back and neck refer pain up into areas of the head where the headache or migraine is present.
We will help you identify the underlying causes, and work to decrease the impact of these through a very tailored approach for YOU!
We aid in removal of pain by targeting the referral points, which sent pain deep into the head, back, eyes and/ or over the temple region. Some referral points that will be addressed can include:
Pain at the back of the eyes and/or across the forehead
Referral point contributing to headaches and Migranes: levator scapulae muscles attaches to the transverse process of C3 and C4 spine and attach onto the medial border of the scapula.
One of the main functions of this muscle is to extend the neck and the spinal joints. Therefore, when this muscle is tight and its fascia restricted, intense pain is often experienced when one’s neck is tilted back.
Pain at the side of the head, over the ears and into the temple
Referral point: Upper trapezius muscle attaches to the occipital bone, (external occipital protuberance and the medial third of the superior nuchal line of the occiput, the nuchal ligament, and the spinous process of C7) onto lateral third of the clavicle and the acromion process of the scapula.
The main function of the upper trapezius fibres is to flex the head from side to side, extend the neck and head at the spinal joints and to rotate the head, therefore, when this muscle is tight and its fascia restricted, this kind of movement is painful.
In most cases our unique treatments eradicate people’s headaches and migraines for good, with others coming in for regular treatment as they feel this helps to prevent a headache or migraine returning. We have had great success with people who have suffered from terrible migraines, where all other treatments have failed.
How we can help you and treat your headaches and migraines
We make use of our myofascial and deep tissue release work in the upper region of your body, neck and shoulders, and right up to the base of the skull. We can also make use of other treatment techniques including dry needling to decrease pain, and decrease muscle contracture, as well as joint mobilisation of the cervical spine (neck) and the thoracic (mid-upper back) to provide mobility to the area.
What can you do at home?
- Massage ball self-release work of the muscles of the upper back, in between shoulder blades, and traps against the wall or lying down
- Consistent neck stretching
- Stress relief- such as meditation or deep belly breaths
- Magnesium spray on the affected areas
- Tiger balm on the affected areas
- Pec stretching (front of the chest)
- Keep moving!
- Get up from your desk as much as possible and do one or more of the above techniques!