Except for head colds, headaches are the most common human ailment.
In fact, headaches beat out backaches as the number-one cause of time lost from work. Approximately three out of every four people will have at least one headache within the year.
Some headaches like migraines, are caused by a disturbance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, according to DR. Janet Travell and Dr David Simons, specialists in musculoskeletal pain, “It’s now becoming clear that tension headache is usually due to trigger points.”
Trigger points are small knots that develop in the muscles. These knots or mini- spasms make pain travel to different areas of the body, often nowhere near the knot itself. For example, trigger points at the top of your neck can send pain directly into your eye.
The name trigger point comes from the fact that these knots can sit in your muscles for ages without causing pain until something “triggers” them to be active. Common triggers include fatigue, stress, poor posture, repetitive movements at work and cold drafts.
Although you may get some relief with regular massage therapy. The specific Muscular therapy I created, correctly identifies and treats, specific trigger points which are responsible for your pain. Single muscle trigger points can often be eliminated quickly and easily, sometimes within one or two treatments.
In more complicated cases however, it may take significant time and your active participation to get lasting results.
When should you see your Doctor?
In a small number of cases, severe headaches may be a warning sign of a more serious disorder such as very high blood pressure, stroke, bleeding in the brain or even a tumour. The following signs should send you to a doctor immediately.
- You suddenly start having severe headaches, especially if they are your first ones and you are over 35 years of age.
- You have a severe headache during or immediately after physical exertion or straining
- A headache with FEVER and neck stiffness
- A headache accompanied by confusion or difficulty speaking- especially following a blow to the head, even one that occurred several weeks earlier.
- A headache accompanied by inflamed, clogged sinuses- it maybe the result of infection and build –up of pus in the sinus passages
- Any increase in the intensity or frequency of headaches.
Many people use painkillers to get rid of their headaches. It’s not a good idea to take painkillers for extended periods, as some medications, even over the counter drugs have unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. It’s always best o rely on non-drug treatments when possible.
A few examples include;
Relaxation training ;including autogenic relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, deep breathing, Meditation, tai chi, yoga.
Cold. Reusable gel packs are an inexpensive and simple solution that can be used in place of or as an adjunct to medication. Keep gel pack in freezer.
At the first signs of a headache put in a tea towel and wrap it around your neck. About 70% of headache sufferers will experience some relief with use of gel packs. If your headache gets worse after applying the pack, it is possible that the cold pack may be aggravating a trigger point.
Heat. Some people find that heat is better than cold at relieving headaches.
Most gel packs can also be heated. They are generally safer and moe effective than heat pads because they mold nicely to the shape of our necks and are less likely to cause burns. Hot bath or shower can also provide mild relief. Headaches caused by trigger points generally respond well to heat, whereas migraine headaches may be aggravated.
Exercise. Regular Exercise helps relieve stress and tension and thus can be excellent way to prevent headaches. Neck, back, and shoulder stretches also help relieve tension and are essential for trigger point headaches. Ask your Muscular therapist for stretches that are appropriate for you.
Improved Posture. Sitting improperly, at a computer terminal for instance can create tension in the muscles and trigger a headache. Slouching is particularly problematic as it prevents you from breathing normally and shortens the muscles in the back of your neck.
Muscle Therapy. This is a favourite simply because we know it works so well. Research shows Massage therapy effectiveness in eliminating headaches. My experience however, has shown muscle therapy’s effectiveness last longer, sometimes for months. As well, regular treatments can actually retrain your nervous system to decrease the tension in your muscles on a more permanent basis.