Migraines are severe headaches that can cause intense throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head, as well as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. While experiencing frequent migraines can be a debilitating condition, neck massage may be an effective method of headache relief.
Finding relief with the help of a certified massage therapist has been found to help reduce tension and improve circulation in the neck muscles, which can help alleviate migraine and neck pain.
Massage therapy promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels which have been linked to migraine triggers. In addition, neck massage can stimulate endorphins—the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals—which may further ease migraine discomfort.
Overview Of Migraines
Common Triggers for Migraines
Migraine triggers vary from person to person. Common triggers include stress, lack of sleep, certain foods (including processed foods), hormonal changes, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, bright lights and/or loud noises. It’s important to note that something may be a trigger for one person but not another – it’s important to keep track of your own triggers in order to avoid them when possible.
Migraine Treatment Options
When it comes to treating migraines, there are both over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications available. For milder headaches or those caused by tension or stress, OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help.
For more severe headaches or those caused by underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, prescription medications may be necessary. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as getting more restful sleep and eating healthier can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines over time. But one of the best ways to relieve pain could be a therapeutic massage. A neck massage will release lots of built up tension and could relieve your pain.
The Benefits of Neck Massage for Migraines
Release Tension and Reduce Frequency of Migraines
One of the most significant benefits of neck massage is its ability to release muscle tension in the neck area. Tension in the neck muscles can cause headaches and migraines, and by relieving this tension through massage therapy, neck massage can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine symptoms.
Alleviate Stress and Trigger Reduction
Stress is a significant trigger for some people’s migraine headaches, and neck massage can help alleviate stress. Neck massage relaxes the body overall, which can reduce stress and help prevent migraine headaches.
Improve Circulation and Reduce Inflammation
Another benefit of using neck massage to manage migraines is that it helps improve circulation throughout the body. Poor circulation often contributes to muscle tension and can worsen existing headache symptoms. By improving circulation with the help of a certified massage therapist, your body will receive more oxygen and nutrients which it needs to function properly. This improved circulation also helps reduce inflammation caused by stress hormones, which may result in fewer headaches or less severe ones.
Increase Endorphins and Natural Painkillers
Neck massage has been shown to increase endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by our bodies that act as our own built-in defense against pain signals sent by the brain in response to certain stimuli such as a migraine headache. Endorphins also make us feel good after a period of time due to their calming effects on our nervous system, which can help us relax even further when dealing with migraine symptoms like nausea or dizziness.
Massage therapy is an excellent way to manage migraines naturally. By releasing tension, reducing stress, improving circulation, and increasing endorphins, neck massage can help alleviate migraine symptoms and improve overall well-being.
When To See A Doctor About Your Migraine Pain
Frequent Migraines
If you experience frequent migraines, defined as at least two or more per month over an extended period of time, it may be time to see a doctor. Your physician can run tests and determine if there are any underlying causes that could be triggering your migraines, such as hormonal imbalances or food allergies. A doctor can also provide lifestyle and dietary suggestions to help reduce the frequency of your migraines.
Intense Pain
Migraine pain can range from mild to severe, but if you find yourself experiencing intense pain that gets worse instead of better with home remedies or over-the-counter medications, then it may be time to see a doctor.
There are prescription medications available specifically for migraine relief that could help alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, certain treatments like biofeedback—which helps you learn how to control certain body functions in response to stress—are available through a physician’s office and may prove beneficial in managing the intensity of your migraine pain.
Additional Symptoms
Sometimes migraine pain is accompanied by additional symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, blurred vision, vertigo, confusion or difficulty speaking. If you experience any of these symptoms along with your migraine pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately as they could indicate something more serious than just a headache.
Always Discuss your medical history and any conditions or concerns with a certified massage therapist before receiving treatment.
When it comes to receiving a massage, it is important to discuss your medical history, any current conditions or concerns with your massage therapist before the treatment. This helps the therapist tailor the massage to your specific needs and avoid any potential harm or discomfort.
Avoid potential risks and complications
Some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or varicose veins, may require special precautions during a massage to avoid any potential harm or complications. By sharing your medical history and concerns with your massage therapist, they can adjust the massage techniques and pressure to avoid any potential risks.
Tailor the massage to your specific needs
By knowing your medical history and concerns, your massage therapist can tailor the massage to address any specific issues or concerns you may have. For example, if you have chronic pain, they can focus on specific areas and use techniques that may help alleviate your pain.
Improve the effectiveness of the massage
Knowing your medical history and concerns can also help your massage therapist determine which techniques and modalities will be most effective for you. They can incorporate modalities like trigger point therapy, myofascial release, or deep tissue massage, which may help improve the effectiveness of the massage.
Build trust and rapport with your massage therapist
Sharing your medical history and concerns with your massage therapist can help build trust and rapport between you and your therapist. This can create a more comfortable and relaxing environment, which can enhance the overall massage experience.
Talking about your medical history and any conditions or concerns with your certified massage therapist before receiving treatment is important to ensure a safe and effective massage. Provide your massage therapists with accurate and honest information to help them tailor the massage to your specific needs and avoid any potential risks or complications.
Final Thoughts the Benefits of Therapeutic Neck Massage for Migraine Relief
Q: Will trigger point therapy help with chronic tension headaches?
A: Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) is a type of bodywork that can be beneficial in treating chronic tension headaches. In this form of therapy, pressure is applied to the muscle trigger points which are areas of knotted muscle fibers that can contribute to pain and restricted movement.
During a session, the therapist will typically massage your upper back, shoulders, neck and scalp in order to provide relief in the affected areas. Additionally, this type of treatment can reduce inflammation in the head or neck region and help improve circulation around the area. With regular sessions, TPT has showed potential as an effective treatment for chronic tension headaches by reducing severity and frequency of flare-ups.
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Q: Can massage techniques increase my pressure pain threshold?
A: There is some evidence to suggest that massage therapy can increase your pressure pain threshold. One study showed that a single session of massage therapy was able to increase the pressure pain threshold in healthy adults by an average of 24%. Another study showed that a series of 10 massages over the course of 5 weeks was able to increase the pressure pain threshold by an average of 42%. While these studies suggest that massage therapy may be able to increase your pressure pain threshold, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Bridget Riley brings the spa experience into NJ client’s homes based on the theory that an hour of body work should be followed by an hour of rest. She is the owner of Pampered Spirit, the premier mobile massage business in the State of New Jersey. Pampered Spirit has a boutique location which serves as a dispatch center for mobile massage therapists and a serene enclave for onsite clientele.
Ms. Riley’s wellness empire has been featured on national television and has grown to 40 team members strong. In addition to being an established body worker and certified massage therapist, as a wellness coach she has orchestrated workshops for several universities and companies.
Notable clients include NFL Films and the Atlantic City Convention Center. As the industry continually evolves, so does Miss Riley. Her current focus is Wellness Coaching after studying the subject at Duke University.