Let’s face it, there is nothing fun about a headache. For many headache sufferers and especially those that suffer from migraines, there is an all too familiar pattern. Whether they are migraines that build as the day goes on or those headaches that are there from the moment you wake up, many headaches share a common and often untreated source, the neck. In this post, learn how dry needling can naturally relieve migraines, tension, or headaches that seem to come up from the neck.
What causes headaches and how can the neck cause a migraine?
People who study headaches have found that there are about 14 different types of headaches. Some have food, hormonal, or chemical triggers. Some find that they have multiple triggers for their headaches. This post mostly covers the impact of the neck on migraines, tension headaches, and what is known as a neck headache or a cervicogenic headache. In fact, many headaches often go misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines and are given medications that may give relief but usually don’t get to the underlying causes of why the headache is triggered in the first place which in many cases are actually caused by problems in the neck. So, how can the neck cause a headache? First, this is an example of referred pain. In this case, posture, poor office set-up, pinched nerves or even strained muscles put the squeeze on several nerves that come off the base of the skull in the back. These nerves go up and over the head and when we have poor posture, strained muscles, or even neck arthritis, they often get squeezed and irritated often causing headaches.
What is Dry Needling and how can it help migraines and tension headaches?
Dry needling is a treatment where Dry Needling certified Physiotherapists use acupuncture needles at specific points around the neck, shoulders, and scalp(usually where you feel the most pain or stiffness) to stimulate healing, reduce pain and stiffness, and decrease some of the most common causes of headaches(like those tight tender spots that never seem to go away. It works through deactivating those tight, tender areas that often press on nerves in your neck and scalp, irritating them and causing a headache. By eliminating those tight tender areas(called trigger points) we take the pressure off the nerve and allow it to calm down. If your pain is coming from elsewhere, we will often use the acupuncture needles to treat the foundational issues that are leading to more stress and pain at the back of the head, neck, or even into the jaw(TMJ).
Is it Safe
Yes, dry needling is used everyday and does not have the nasty side effects of opioids, doesn't weaken the joints like steroid shots, and often doesn't need to be done for years on end like injections. Often the only things somebody notices is some soreness from the muscles that were treated. We also supercharge our treatments by using electrical stimulation to your sore spots so you can feel improvement, often immediately.
Can I just have you do dry needling?
Dry needling works best when we do it with simple stretches and foundation fixing strength exercises that you can do with minimal equipment at home. At Body Mechanix, we teach you how to keep the healing going while you are in between treatments and is part of a natural and often pain free holistic plan of care to treat the whole you.
How do I know if it is right for me?
Find out if this is the right treatment option for you for absolutely free by scheduling a no-cost dry needling consultation with one of our dry needling certified Doctors of physiotherapy. These are in limited supply and are on a first come first served basis.
Do I need a prescription?
No, in Florida you do not need a prescription to start.
What if I have more questions?
Learn more about Dry Needling Here and schedule your free consultation with one of our Dry Needling Experts.
Confused about where to start? We got you covered! That’s why we offer free consultations to help you get to the root of why you are dealing with stiffness, pain, or just not performing the way you need to.
During one of our free consultations, the Total Body Diagnostic, we offer expert advice about the worry and frustration of life-changing aches and pains – for FREE, in under 30 minutes.
If this article describes your story and you are looking for some help with overcoming headaches, we offer FREE consultations, which give you the opportunity to come in and meet us and see for yourself how we can help you.
Here are just a few of the things you will learn in one of our free consultation:
What is the underlying cause of your pain? (hopefully nothing too serious!)
Roughly, how long will it take to fix the problem?
What to do to help – which doesn’t include painkillers, resting or surgery etc.
What other, natural, drug free methods are there to speed up recovery alongside treatment?
Our consultations are great for anyone that may be “unsure” if physio is right for them, and they give you the opportunity to ask questions and see for yourself if we can help you.
If you’d like one of our limited free consultation sessions, please click here to request your Total Body Diagnostic or CALL us on 850-765-2779 to make a no-obligation enquiry.
Dr. Brandon is the owner and a Physio at Body Mechanix Physiotherapy and Fitness. Four of his favorite people call him daddy while he's been married to his other favorite person for 21 years. He enjoys teaching martial arts and is a Mestrando in Capoeira while in the mornings, he can be found working out with the guys in F3 around town. He's the author of 4 pain relief guides for sciatica, low back, shoulder, and knees and the lead contributor to the Active Tallahassee Blog.
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