A headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.
Headaches can be divided into three general categories:
- Primary headaches: Includes migraines, cluster headaches, and the most common form of headache – tension headache.
- Secondary headaches: Headaches that occur as the result of on underlying disease or structural problem. Common conditions that can cause these types of headaches can include: Sinus infection, bony mal-alignment in the neck, meningitis, and jaw dysfunction.
- Cranial neuralgias and facial pain: These headaches are due to irritation of the nerves of the upper neck and / or head. Very similar to secondary headaches as nerve irritation is usually secondary to a structural problem or disease process.
By far the most common headaches we see are tension headaches. In these cases complaints include but are not limited to:
- Tension and or soreness running up to the base of the skull from the neck.
- Generally involve both sides.
- Vice like feeling in the head and often affects the eyes
- Overall sense of increased tension and stress which is difficult to “stretch out.”
We assess the potential causes of headaches and provide drug-free solutions and treatment. The techniques we use to deal with these problems go beyond simple massage to include:
- Trigger point therapy
- Myo-fascial release
- Stretching
- Postural advice and home care
If you are dealing with ongoing headaches, you should notify your M.D. At Second Narrows Massage we can adapt treatment protocols in order to work within your doctors treatment plan.
