Relieving Tension Headaches
A Massage Technique for Tension Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common side effects of a brain injury/concussion. However, mostly everyone gets a headache now and then; the most typical one is called a tension headache. Below are some facts about headaches and a simple massage technique you can do to help relieve a tension headache.
What is a headache?
“Headache is defined as a pain arising from the head or upper neck of the body. The pain originates from the tissues and structures that surround the brain because the brain itself has no nerves that give rise to the sensation of pain (pain fibers). The periosteum that surrounds bones; muscles that encase the skull, sinuses, eyes, and ears; and meninges that cover the surface of the brain and spinal cord, arteries, veins, and nerves, all can become inflamed or irritated to cause the pain of a headache. This pain may be a dull ache, sharp, throbbing, constant, mild, or intense.”
Headache facts:
- The head is one of the most common sites of pain in the body.
- The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster.
- Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache.
- Secondary headaches are a symptom of an injury or an underlying illness.
Here is a simple do-it-yourself technique to assist in relieving tension headaches:
“Start by placing your thumbs on your cheekbones close to your ears, and use your fingertips to gently apply pressure and rub the temples (the soft spot between the corner of your eye and your ear). Using very firm pressure and a tiny circular motion, gradually move your fingers up along your hairline until they meet in the middle of your forehead, massaging your entire forehead and scalp as you inch along.”
Sometimes by putting pressure along the back of your skull (where your head meets your neck) you can release some of the tension too. It may be tender to your touch indicating a need for massaging.
Wendy is located in the Greater Boston Area. To schedule an appointment with Wendy, please call 978.352.6349.
Sources:
Seliger, S. Massage therapy for stress relief and much more. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/massage-therapy-stress-relief-much-more
