How Massage Can Fix Headaches

Headaches are a pain in the neck and maybe in the shoulders, the face, the eyes, the jaw, the throat, and the stomach. Although most headaches are not life-threatening, Atlanta Sports Recovery takes them seriously.

An individual’s ability to perform at work or school, participate in social events and athletics, or even complete basic, everyday functions can be severely impacted by the frequency and intensity of headaches. A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head or face. The brain tissue does not contain pain-sensitive nerve fibers to signal a pain response. Therefore we look around the brain tissue to find the culprit for most primary headaches. Dysfunctions in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders and the networks of nerves and blood vessels located in and around the cranium are responsible for headache symptoms.

Several criteria are considered when diagnosing a headache because they vary significantly in terms of the location and intensity of the pain and how often the headaches occur. Experts at Johns Hopkins Neurology have classified headaches and conditions they treat into nineteen categories. Of those nineteen categories, there are three frequently diagnosed headache types listed. Common headache types include Tension-type Headaches, Migraine Headaches, and Cluster Headaches.

Tension-type Headaches

• The most common type of headache
• Stress and tight muscles are often factors
• Slow onset of the headache
• The Head usually hurts on both sides
• Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head
• Pain may involve the back part of the head or neck
• Pain is mild to moderate but not severe
• Tension-type headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Migraine Headaches

• symptoms other than pain occur as part of the headache
• Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and other visual symptoms typically occur with migraines.
• Migraines also have distinct phases. (Not all people have each phase)

• Premonition or prodromal phase. A change in mood or behavior may occur hours or days before the headache.
• Aura phase. A group of visual, sensory, or motor symptoms can precede the headache. Examples include vision changes, hallucinations, numbness, changes in speech, and muscle weakness.
• Headache phase. Period during the actual headache with throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Sensitivity to light and motion are common, as are depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
• Resolution phase. Pain lessens during this phase, but may be replaced with fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating. Some people feel refreshed after an attack, others do not.

Cluster Headaches 

• Usually occur in a series that may last weeks or months
• Severe pain on one side of the head, usually behind one eye
• The eye that is affected may be red and watery with a droopy lid and small pupil
• Swelling of the eyelid
• Runny nose or congestion
• Swelling of the forehead

What does a headache evaluation look like at Atlanta Sports Recovery?

A thoughtful medical evaluation of head and facial pain will be performed by Sports Physician Dr. Amanda Smith, at which point a diagnosis with the treatment protocol or further testing will be advised. If a tension-type headache is suspected and the neurological exam is unremarkable, a massage protocol will be a crucial step in effective pain management.