Trigger Point Therapy for Headaches
Almost all of us have suffered from Migraines in our lifetime. About eight percent of Canadians are affected by chronic headaches, a quarter or more of that 8% say that severe headaches impact their day to day life such as getting a good night rest and plain functioning throughout the day. Trigger points in the suboccipital muscle group are the most common cause of tension headaches.
A myofascial trigger point, also called a trigger point is a tight knot located within a taut muscular band.The knot or nodule can be distinctly felt underneath the skin and is tender when pressed or when external pressure is applied. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They can be brought on—or triggered—by things such as stress, depression, hunger, and muscle strain. Tension headaches may come on suddenly or slowly. Chronic tension headaches often occur along with other health problems such as anxiety or depression.
How Trigger Points Play a Large Role in Headache Management
If you’re suffering from headaches, all too often you may be diagnosed with general terms such as tension headache, migraine, or TMJ pain without the real cause being identified. Often the cause is trigger points in one or more muscles. Trigger points can play a very large role in most types of chronic and acute headaches, as well as temporomandibular joint problems, which means you may be able to get a great deal of relief, or even complete relief, by working on trigger points and eliminating perpetuating factors.
Drilling bamboo points are located at the indentations on either side of the spot where the bridge of your nose meets the ridge of your eyebrows, also referred to as the third eye. To use these pressure points to treat headaches: Use both of your index fingers to apply firm pressure to both points at once. Hold for 10 seconds. This can also be done with the softer Pressure Pyramid (EVA).
Cause of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. These types of contractions can be caused by a variety of factors such as:
- foods
- activities
- stress
Some people develop tension headaches after staring at a computer screen for a long time or after driving for long periods. Cold temperatures may also trigger a tension headache.
Other triggers of tension headaches include:
- alcohol
- eye strain
- dry eyes
- fatigue
- smoking
- a cold or flu
- a sinus infection
- caffeine
- poor posture
- emotional stress
- decreased water intake
- lack of sleep
- skipping meals
Symptoms of Tension Headaches
Symptoms of a tension headache include:
- dull head pain
- pressure around the forehead
- tenderness around the forehead and scalp
Link Between Myofascial Trigger Points and Tension-Type Headaches
When a trigger point is located in the neck, shoulder, and head muscles, it can cause referred or spreading pain that creates the same pain pattern as that of a tension-type headache. Moreover, some experts believe that prolonged pain input from myofascial trigger points can sensitize the central nervous system, making it more easily excitable or more vulnerable to pain nerves firing.
This can mean that trigger points in the neck and shoulder area may lead to the transformation from episodic to chronic tension-type headache in some people.
Type headaches and myofascial trigger points is still unclear. If you think a trigger point may be the reason for your headaches, attempting trigger point release under the care of a healthcare provider may be a sensible approach before you pursue trigger point therapy on your own, with Your Pressure Pyramid.
It is important to always consult your doctor if a headache persists, as they are complex, and it’s likely that there is more than one contributing factor at play.
It’s a bit tricky to effectively massage your own suboccipital muscles without a tool like the Pressure Pyramid, which is just perfect for this particular location, but if you don’t have one (yet) you can purchase your as this link https://yourpressurepyramid.com/shop/ place Your Pressure Pyramid under the point of discomfort and wriggle around a bit until you find the sweet spot. Apply pressure, take breaks and drink lots of water.
Supplements to alleviate headaches
Some supplements may also help relieve tension headaches. However, since alternative remedies can interact with conventional medications, you should always discuss these with your healthcare provider first.
- butterbur
- coenzyme Q10
- feverfew
- magnesium
- riboflavin (vitamin B-2)
Other Activities to relieve headaches
- Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your head for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.
- Take a hot bath or shower to relax tense muscles.
- Improve your posture.
- Take frequent computer breaks to prevent eye strain.
It is important to remember that at least 74% of trigger points are not located in the area you feel pain. Don’t let pain get in the way of enjoying life. Trigger Point Therapy can save you from pain and suffering down the road! Don’t forget to purchase Your Pressure Pyramid for an inexpensive, lightweight and effective trigger point tool that really works!
