The pain you feel from your headaches is generally in one of 6 areas.
There are 26 muscles in the neck and head, therefore if your headache is muscle related, the treatment can be determined by where the pain is coming from.
Common Headaches Areas
- Temples
- Forehead
- Behind eyes
- Jaw
- Ear
- Back Neck / Base Skull
Other possible reasons for headaches
Other reasons unrelated to muscles can also cause nasty headaches.
- Dehydration
- Sleep Deprivation
- Prolonged reading
- Excessive screen / blue light use
- Bright lights / excessive sunlight
- Lack of physical activity / movement
- Sinus / hay fever
- Fluid retention
- Toxic overload – diet and environmental related
- Stress & Anxiety
There are some obvious, and easily rectified one’s here, however, some may need more attention. If symptoms persist seek medical advice.
For muscle related headaches, the most common cause is muscle tension. For the neck, it’s brought on by bad posture, stress and overuse. For your head, is due to things like clenching and grinding your teeth, constant frowning, repetitive and incorrect head position and stress related actions.
Below I will outline some simple techniques you can use to help relieve your symptoms, take a look at the anatomy diagram to select the key muscles in and around your area of pain.
For a more specific description on certain muscles relating to the different areas of pain: check out my next blog
Targeted Massage for Tension Headaches
For effective massage, having an idea where to find each muscle is key.
Also take notice of the direction of the muscle fibers (lines within the muscles). Working along the fibers is the kindest way to massage, especially if you are in a lot of pain.
Release Technique
- Feel around with the pads of your fingers (not the tips)
- The muscle tissue will feel soft and fleshy in the thicker parts v’s thinner and firmer along the edges
- Warmup the middle of the muscle first, then feel around.
- The spots we’re looking for are firm taut bands like little lumps within the muscle
- However in such small muscles, the lumps are not always easy to find, and that’s ok, it may just be a matter of finding some referring sensations / pain when pressed instead.
- Don’t be afraid to get in there, you will figure out where the good spots are soon enough.
- Use strokes and circular motions with your desired pressure
- Once you’ve found your spot, hold firm for 30 seconds or until you feel the pressure change
- Don’t forget your long, slow deep breathing as well!!
Full video instructions for each individual area of pain are available @ Sal Petrassi Muscle & Myotherapy Clients private facebook group it’s free to join.
There are also many stretches that can help with neck pain once the trigger points have been released. But this is a whole other topic, that I’ll save for another time. In the meantime, if you join my private facebook group (via the link above) there are loads of stretches and foam rolling videos in there too.
I’m so excited to be kicking off my Muscle Talk with Sal blog. Everyone that know’s me, knows that I love to talk about the body, muscles in particular and I love to help wherever I can.
I hope you enjoy my article and get amazing benefits out of all the information I’ve shared.
Please feel free to reach out anytime to discuss all things muscles, it will certainly have an impact on the directions my blogs take.
OR tell me how this article helped you, I’d love to hear from you.
Can’t wait till next time xx Sal
Sal’s Favourite Products – Spotlight
Green Dragon Sports (Heat) Cream
This heat cream is by far the best I’ve ever used.
In the photo on the right is an MRI image that a client shared with me. Clearly showing the cream still working 4 hours after we used it in her treatment.
Green Dragon sports cream is the perfect partner to apply onto the back of your neck to relieve the muscle tension causing your headaches.
- Encourages blood flow rather than just giving a sense of heat
- Feels like a heat pack on the skin rather than a menthol burn
- Vegan-friendly containing a base of natural ingredients with essential oils
- Australian Made and Owned
Just one of the many beautiful products available for purchase @ Sal Petrassi Muscle & Myotherapy
I also share some great content on my socials. Jump in, follow, and chat with me anytime xxx
And… you can also check out more info on my website too! https://www.salpetrassi.com.au
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