There are three muscle groups that typically refer pain to your head and eyes
causing a headache. The Trapezius, posterior neck muscles, and the
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) a long name for a group of muscles running from
your ear down the side of your neck to your collar bone.
Trapezoid muscle group - typical referrer locations Jaw, eye socket,
temple and back of neck
The Trapezius is a major source of headache pain, typically the type of pain
experienced as a “tension headache.” It can also be a cause of dizziness,
jaw, and toothache pain. Tightness felt in the neck and back of the skull
often comes from Trigger Points in the Trapezius.
If neck massage does not relieve the sensation of tightness in the neck,
Trigger Points in the Trapezius are the most likely culprit.
Computer users and others who use their arms for extended periods of time
will recognize the burning pain between the shoulder blades.
Referred pain from the Trapezius can be found in such a wide variety of
locations, that it commonly leads to misdiagnosis, including shoulder bursitis,
headaches, disc compression, or a “pinched nerve.” Using Trigger Point
Massage may help alleviate your symptoms
Posterior Neck muscle Trigger Points
Headaches
are the most troublesome pain experienced as a result of Posterior Neck muscle
Trigger Points. Migraine headaches, with pain inside the head all along one side
generally result from Trigger Points in the muscles at the base of the skull.
Headaches which feel like a constricting band around the head are also
attributed to these muscles. In addition, these muscles can be a cause of
blurred vision and pain behind the eyes.
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle Location and Trigger Points
Although the SCM muscles are located toward the front of the neck, this is
rarely where the pain is felt.
Trigger
Points in the SCM mainly refer pain into the head, the jaw, and the sternum.
SCM Referred Pain Patterns Headaches in the front of the head, as well as
accompanying facial pain, are usually from the SCM. This muscle can also refer
pain to the sinuses, the teeth, and the tongue. SCM Trigger Points can affect
the inner ear, causing balance problems such as dizziness, fainting, staggering,
or even falling. There can also be hearing loss and ear pain.
The Problem with Trigger Point Release and Acupressure Therapy
One treatment or 6 treatments, is not what it takes in most cases 2, 3 or
more treatments a day over a week or more is often required to release and
heal the muscle group. The frequency and duration of the treatment required
varies not only on the severity of the constriction but also on the root cause.
You can read here for more on the
causes of Trigger point constrictions. If even once a week is
stretching your schedule what to do? Home Treatment is the answer.
Trigger Point release is closely related to Acupressure and Shiatsu
Massage,If you would like to learn more about curing headaches with Shiatsu
Massage we have a new DVD VHS that goes into great detail on how give
someone else or your self a headache ending Shiatsu massage.
Instant
Headache Relief with Siatsu
We recommend going to a professional for at least an initial visit, to help
you identify trigger points and discuss appropriate home treatment schedule,
followup visit to expand the areas of treatment if needed and get a independent
view of your progress is also a good idea.
If you have a willing partner, they can just use their thumbs. If you
hope to have a frequent schedule of treatment, a tool is a great idea. Applying
the necessary pressure frequently and for the necessary duration often results
in sore joints and at times damage to the hand. The good news is that good tools
are not expensive. They range from $5 to $60 dollars.
We recommend the
Knobber
line of massage tools for this type of work at about $10.00.
However there may be time when a helpful partner is not available. Then
What to Do?
We carry a number of tools suitable of applying Acupressure and Trigger Point
Therapy to your self. Our newest addition, to the this type of product is the
Pointer Tool. This unique tool allows you to use foot pressure to apply
trigger point pressure just about anywhere. With multiple pressure heads, this
tool is very versatile, By using your foot rather than your arms you apply the
pressure with a fully relaxed back unlike tools that require the use of your
arms and hands to apply the pressure.
The Pointer
We strongly recommend following up any treatment with some gentle stretching.
Here are a few stretching exercises targeted to the muscle groups most often
associated the headaches.
Click here to read more about how to use
Trigger
Point therapy
Stretching Exercises
Trapezoid Stretch
Place right arm behind back, and grasp wrist with left hand. Bend neck
sideways to the left while pulling on right arm. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat
for other side. Repeat cycle three times, at least three times daily.
Posterior Neck Stretch
Place hand on back of head. Gently push chin to chest, until a stretch is
felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat three times, at least three times daily.
SCM Stretch
Sit on chair. Grasp seat of chair with right hand. Place left hand on head
and gently pull head toward the left shoulder. Maintain pressure and turn head
to the right, until a stretch is felt. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other
side. Repeat cycle three times, at least three times daily.
Aromatherapy Headache Recipes
To not leave our aromatherapy fans out in the cold we have a coupe of
blends recommended for headache relief.
Antispasmodic Blend
Tension in spastic muscles, calming, fatigue, stress, headaches
2 drops - Lavender
1 drop - - Marjoram
1 drop - - Basil
1 drop - - Cypress
Migraine Blend
Migraine's, stress headache, nausea and depression
1 drop - - Marjoram
1 drop - - Chamomile
2 drops - Lavender
1 drop - - Peppermint
1 drop - - Helichrysum
2 drops - Basil
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