Tension Headache
A tension headache is the most common headache. Around 80% of the population has experienced a tension headache. The symptoms are not as severe as a migraine. Tension headaches could become a bigger problem only if it is long-term or frequent. The usual symptoms are pain in the neck and head, especially the forehead, and behind the eyes. Muscle tension, the central nervous system and changes in the blood vessels play a role.
What are the symptoms of tension headaches?
If you have around ten headaches in one month I’d frequent tension. Chronic tension is considered if you have headaches for more than 180 days in a year.
Tension headache symptoms:
- Tightening and pressing in nature
- Pain over the eyes and forehead, across the temples, both sides of the head
- Mild and moderate intensity. It will not affect your daily activities and work.
You can also experience symptoms such as hypersensitivity to light, nausea and noise.
What are the causes of tension headaches?
- Looking at the screen for a long period
- Poor posture (sleeping position, work desk, computer or laptop work, mobile phone)
- Eye stress (from blue light from the screens and poor vision)
- Fatigue
There are several other symptoms as weather changes, alcohol use, hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep and bad diet.
How will massage therapy help you with tension headaches?
A head massage focuses on the head, neck and shoulders. It will be effective in relieving your tension headache with the relaxation of muscles which are in spasm or under excessive tension. Excessive muscle tension will distort, compress or irritate joint structures, including nerves. It could cause cervicogenic headaches that will complicate your symptoms.
Your tension headache treatment techniques:
- Overactive and tight muscles will need massage applying STR and MET techniques and stretching.
- Stiff neck joints will be loosened with joint traction or manipulation and gentle gliding techniques.
- Hypermobile joints need neck muscle strengthening exercises to control, stabilize and limit the joint movement available.
- Posture correction might be suggested with posture awareness techniques, specific exercises and a posture brace.
- If your muscles are weak they will require specific strengthening including your neck muscles and postural shoulder blade.
How can you prevent tension headaches?
- Regular massage will reduce stress, release tension, improve blood circulation and maintain good mobility and muscle length.
- Take regular breaks at work from screen time and long sitting.
- Make sure you have the correct posture, seat, desk and computer height at work.
- Check your pillow if it is suitable for you. Change your sleeping position to ensure good alignment.
- Meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness are beneficial for relieving tension.
- Regular exercise for releasing stress and strengthening muscles and joints.
Vascular Headaches
Vascular headaches are related to blood flow within the vessels at the cranium. It can put pressure on nerves causing distress and pain. They are usually associated with unilateral (one-sided) throbbing or stabbing pain, however, the symptoms may also occur bilaterally. Massage is suggested for anxiety headaches at all phases. This sort of headache may require diagnostic testing such as magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan to rule out underlying pathology. After has been ruled out, professional medication treatments may be included. Pain medication, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medication reuptake inhibitors, or tricyclic antidepressants. Besides drug therapy uses stress management techniques like acupuncture and recognizes the client’s sensitivities.
A head massage for tension headache in Watford
A head massage focuses on the head, neck and shoulders. A head massage helps relieve acute pain such as headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. A head massage applies a variety of techniques to help you reduce stress and release tension in the upper body. A head massage is very effective for tight muscles, tension headaches, stress, chronic pain and recovery from surgery. Massaging the scalp can help stimulate nerves and blood vessels around the area. It begins to calm muscle tension around the head. A head massage can be both a relaxing and an invigorating experience. Our sports massage therapist at Lucas Massage Therapy uses head massage to help reduce pain, tension and tightness of the muscles.
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What are the benefits of a head massage?
- Improved circulation
- Decreased stress
- Improved relaxation
- Decreased pain
- Relieved tight muscles
Neck Stretching Exercises for tension headache
Neck Strengthening Exercises for tension headache
