Headaches are a pain and we all get them from time to time. A headache is a way for your body to attempt to get your attention by saying: “Hey! Something’s not right here!” When you get that message you need to STOP and pay attention. A tension headache is when you feel a pain that gathers like a band around your head. The main cause of a tension headache is neck, shoulder and upper back muscular tension. 

Most people, whether they realize it or not, tend to have neck and shoulder muscle tension. Sometimes when those muscles tighten they can press down on a nerve. That nerve will then send impulses to your head, therefore creating headaches that manifest by your temples, base of your skull, jaw or your eyes. Other causes of a tension headache are:

     -Skipping a meal.

     -Eye strain.

     -Muscle tension.

     -Lack of adequate sleep.

     -Dental problems, jaw tightness,  temporomandibular joint TMJ, clenching or grinding your teeth.  

If you find that I’m describing you, you may be asking: What can I do about it? That’s an excellent question. I’ll tell you:

 
1.Get a massage. Those “knots” in your shoulders and those taut muscles in you neck aren’t just going to disappear on their own. Find time in your busy schedule and make an appointment. A massage therapist can pin point those problem-causing muscles, massage and stretch them. Going regularly can decrease the frequency of those bothersome headaches. For a tension headache the best massage option would be The Massage Artistry’s “Signature Massage” service.

2. Use a heating pad. Heat is a nice way to help ease that tension out. Heating the area with get blood and nutrients flowing to those stiff muscles. Although, the heat will feel great do not exceed 20 minutes on the problem area. After 20 minutes of heating, it will have adverse affects and you might be worse off than when you started. So please, keep an eye on the clock when using heat. For more info refer to the previous blog post about heat vs. cold therapy.

3. Mind your posture. Throughout my childhood my mother would always remind me of this and I hate to admit it, but she was right! Be mindful of your posture when sitting at the computer, reading a book or even washing the dishes for example. Craning your neck forward will only further aggravate those muscles.

4. Don’t overuse prescription pain medications. After awhile pain medications will stop working and actually increase the number of times you experience headaches. 

5. Use peppermint essential oil. Peppermint is known to abate headaches. Dab a few drops into an oil diffuser, or onto a tissue and inhale in slow, deep even breaths. 

If you would like to talk to me more on the subject or set up an appointment for a massage feel free to contact me.
 
Take care of your body. It’s the only one you’ll get.