Headaches are one of the most common pain complaints. They can range in severity from slight discomfort to splitting agony, lasting anywhere from a minute to several days.
There are multiple factors that can cause headaches. Aside from dehydration, hunger, and heavy metal concerts, let’s take a look at how our structure and soft tissue can trigger headaches.
We’ll start with the most superficial layer, the cranial fascia that covers the scalp, forehead, and base of skull area. Fascia is the tissue that surrounds and connects the muscles and bones. This tissue can become ischemic (lack blood flow) from trauma, trigger points, or chronic tension. This can lead to headaches! It can also cause hair growth issues and craniofacial asymmetry. Fortunately, it is simple to release this fascia. A therapist can do it for you, or you can perform the technique on yourself: by pulling on your ears and hair, note any tight spots, and wait until the tissue releases. That way, you can help alleviate symptoms in the moment.
Going deeper, let’s discuss the role of muscles. The suboccipitals, upper trapezius, and SCM are the most common headache-inducing muscles. They all attach onto the cranium, so tension in their attachments or muscle bellies will cause discomfort into the head. They may contain tender spots called trigger points, that cause a lack of blood flow to the area, and cause referred pain into the head. Other jaw, cervical, and shoulder muscles can also trigger headaches.
Trapezius Muscle-common source of trigger points that cause headache
Now, how might the position of our bones cause a headache? Migraines are thought to be caused by a buildup of pressure inside the cranium, so the brain actually swells against the skull. This is caused by improper drainage of blood away from the brain. For the brain to drain properly, the blood must flow through the venous plexus or the jugular foramen, which are encased in bony structures. If there is a misalignment in the cranial bones or the C1 and C2 vertebrae, blood drainage might be impaired.
Muscles move bones, so with proper muscular release and re-education, the bones can find their naturally ideal alignment. That allows for adequate drainage of blood from the brain, and optimal function of all our body systems.
At Body Center St. Pete, we aim to identify the root cause of your pain. By assessing your individual alignment, we work with your soft tissue to release tension and find neutral. That includes the finer muscles and bones of the head and neck. We pay attention to detail, so that you can feel amazing!
By Zoe Cunningham
My Two Pelvises
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