I have persistent headaches. Are they migraines? The short answer to this question may be “unlikely”. Although the statistics show that 12% of Americans suffer from migraines, it is not the most common headache that I see in my office. We will probably talk more about migraines in depth somewhere in the future. But today, I want to talk about “Trigger Point Headaches”.
photo by Mehrpouya H on Unsplash
I already shared some information about it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube posts. Please, use the links below to check on them. I will break this down into four sections; definition, etiology (causes), symptoms, treatments (conventional & holistic), self/home care.
Definition
Trigger points are tender, painful, and irritable focal spots in the body, often on the muscles and tendons which can refer to other parts of the body. In the cases of trigger point headaches, the muscles that often become the triggers are Sternocleidomastoid, Scalenes, Splenius, Suboccipitals, Trapezius, frontalis, and temporalis.
Etiology (causes)
– Repetitive/stressful activities/motions
– Bad postures (usually chronic)
– Injuries: sports, auto accidents, strain
– mental and/or physical stress
– Ergonomic: undesirable pillows, mattresses, chairs, desks
Symptomology
It can start with mild tension. But often the sufferers present with intense aches, throbbing, and/or stabbing-like pain that refers to other parts of the head as it is shown in the illustration below. “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction” by Janet Travell, MD is also an excellent reference. “X” marks the locations of the trigger points as the color shaded area with the same color as the “X” marks indicate the areas of referred pain.
Illustration credit to Dr. Joseph Smolders, BA. DC, copyright 1984
Treatments
While Chiropractic adjustments are helpful, the trigger points seem to remain strong enough to still cause headaches unless sustained trigger point pressures are applied directly to the trigger points. They tend to be quite persistent, which is why they often cause chronic pain. Deep tissue massage can be also helpful. What I find the most helpful and the fastest relieving modality is dry needling. It is because the needles are in direct contact with the trigger points. Sometimes, the relief comes immediately following the treatment session. Cupping is usually accompanied by dry needling as it helps the muscle and tendons relax before inserting the needles. Another recommendation for natural muscle relaxation would be “Myosedate” which has valerian root (herb, natural muscle relaxor, anti-hypertensive), passion flowers, magnesium, and skullcap. Conventional treatments are simple. Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories are perhaps the most common ones. Sometimes the doctors order physical therapy to alleviate the pain.
Self/home care
Learn how to apply proper pressure directly on the trigger points can be effective. The area can be somewhat sore after and experience referring pain while applying the pressure. But the relief is usually experienced after letting go of the pressure. The mild to moderate pressure on the trigger points for about 20-30 seconds might yield some positive results. Proper stretching techniques at the involved area may bring some relief as well. Ice and heat can also be effective. I find ice more helpful, simply because a lot of trigger points are actively inflamed. if the tenderness is bearable, mild heat can help relax the muscle as well. But I prefer avoiding excess heat. The simple demonstration of effective neck and shoulder stretching has been posted on our YouTube Channel. Click the link below or click the social media link below to check it out.
Well, I tried to keep it short and simple, but sometimes it isn’t so easy. Please, let us know if you have any questions by using social media, website contact, or leave a comment here on this blog. Thanks for reading! see you next week!
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content in this blog should not be used as a substitute for the professional advice and/or recommendation of qualified healthcare practitioners or licensed physicians. The content presented in this blog is intended for information purposes only. Consult your doctor or healthcare practitioners for your current conditions.
Very informative thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing, Jesus! I am glad you found it informative!