Almost all of us have experienced a tension headache in our lives. A dull, constant pain in the head or neck. It can feel like your head is locked in a vise. These headaches can last for 30 minutes, or a few hours, or can even last up to a week. Chronic tension headaches (CTH) are defined as occurring 15 or more days a month for at least three months. According the University Health Services at Berkley tension headaches can even “be accompanied by changes in sleep patterns or insomnia, early morning or late day occurrence of headache, feelings of guilt, weight loss, dizziness, poor concentration, ongoing fatigue, or nausea.” (1)
Needless to say, tension headaches, which are the most common types of headaches, cause a great amount of pain and suffering to many people. These headaches can interfere with work, social life, and can even affect family life. The cause of tension headaches is not entirely agreed upon by the scientific community, but a number of treatments have been developed to deal with this growing issue. More and more people are turning to complementary and alternative medicine to find long lasting relief from tension headaches.
Massage has been found in numerous studies to provide alleviation for tension and chronic tension headaches (CTH). An article in Massage Therapy Journal titled “Headache relief: what massage therapy has to offer people who suffer from chronic tension headaches” by Martha Brown Menard discusses a few studies on massage and CTH. Clinicians in Menard’s studies believe that the causes of CTH may be associated with sustained muscle tension in the head and neck. This chronic muscle tension can cause improper blood flow and lead to myofascial trigger points in the neck and head. These trigger points, which are commonly called “knots”, could be the major source of CTH.
The studies discussed by Menard show a great potential for massage as a remedy for CTH. Myofascial trigger point therapy in particular could be particularly beneficial. The studies discussed prove moderate support for the use of massage to treat CTH. They also noted a significant reduction in headache frequency, and a reduction in the number of days with headache pain for women, even at a six month follow up.
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) holds a firm position that massage can be a successful treatment for those suffering from tension headaches. The AMTA claims a slew of research-based effects from massage in relation to tension headaches. These results can include:
• reduced depression and/or anxiety
• decreased perceived pain
• decreased anger status
• decreased tension
• reduced frequency
• reduced intensity
• reduced duration
• decreased medication usage
• increased range of cervical motion
Though the etiology of tension and chronic tension headaches is still not fully known, research indicates that massage and myofascial trigger point therapy can be a highly effective treatment for the pain and distress caused by these common types of headaches. Living with chronic or even sporadic tension headaches can greatly inhibit the enjoyment of life. With massage and trigger point therapy, relief may be at hand.
Sources
1. 2015. Available at: http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/home/healthtopics/pdf/tension.pdf. Accessed June 5, 2015.
2. Menard M. Headache relief: what massage therapy has to offer people who suffer from chronic tension headaches. Massage Therapy Journal. 2008;47(4):127.
3. Amtamassage.org. Massage Can Be Effective for Tension Headaches — American Massage Therapy Association. 2015. Available at:https://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Can-Be-.... Accessed June 5, 2015.