Headache Relief: How Massage and Corrective Exercise Can Help Ease the Pain

From annoying, distracting stabs of pain to debilitating migraines, headaches are among the most common and varied types of pain. Their causes range from hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies to muscle tension and imbalances. If you experience chronic headaches, your first step should be to consult your doctor to rule out any serious medical conditions. Once a medical cause is ruled out, a combination of medical massage and corrective exercise may be an effective next step toward relief.

Trigger Points, Muscle Imbalances, and Headaches

There are many muscular reasons why headaches—including migraines—can occur. Often, tight neck or shoulder muscles contain trigger points that refer pain to different areas of the head. For example, a trigger point in the suboccipital muscles (at the base of the skull) can cause a headache that affects an entire side of the head. The sternocleidomastoid muscle (the large muscle running along the front and sides of the neck) can refer pain to several areas of the head, both front and back. Once these trigger points are released, the associated headache often resolves.

For many people, tight neck muscles are a symptom of high stress or anxiety, both of which respond well to regular therapeutic massage. Neck tension may also result from an imbalance between the chest and back muscles, causing the neck to jut forward and placing undue stress on it.

How Can Massage and Corrective Exercise Help?

A focused neck and upper shoulder massage targeting the trigger points commonly involved in specific types of headaches can provide significant relief. Once the trigger points are released and the muscles relax, the headache may resolve almost instantly.

To prevent recurrence, tailored corrective exercises can help. For example, with tension headaches, addressing poor posture is crucial. Relaxing shortened tight chest muscles and strengthening the back muscles can alleviate the strain on neck muscles, reducing the formation of trigger points and helping to keep headaches at bay.

If you’re tired of dealing with headaches and ready to embrace a life with less pain, schedule an appointment with me today!

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