How to manage migraines and chronic headaches

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Monday, 19 June 2017

Chronic headaches and regular migraines can have a significant impact on someone’s life. Migraines are often described as a condition with very specific, debilitating headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, feeling of nausea or sickness. Chronic headaches, on the other hand, can be associated with stress and tension. The pain is often dull and moderate but can last long and be difficult to tolerate without any remedies. Massage Therapy Fulham explains how to manage and prevent this uncomfortable condition, leaving you to enjoy your life without any worry.

Common causes of migraines and headaches

There are many causes of headaches and migraines. Research indicates that genetic predisposition plays a big role, especially when it comes to migraines. Lifestyle, however, is the biggest factor. Stress is number one on the list of causes. What is more, headaches can also increase the stress level, so it then becomes a vicious circle, making them even worse, harder to stop. Secondly, a diet has a high impact on headaches and migraines, especially water intake. Dehydration makes the brain temporarily contracted or shrunk because of loss of fluid. This way it pulls away from the skull which activates pain receptors. Dehydration also decreases the oxygen level that flows with the blood to the brain. This explains the feeling of tiredness, difficulty to concentrate and the need to lie down when suffering with headaches. Lack of sleep, drinking alcohol and hormonal changes can also create and worsen headaches or migraines.

How to manage headaches and migraines

There are many things that can be done to manage and prevent headaches. Drinking plenty of water and having a balanced diet (containing fruits and vegetables) is very important. Regular sleeping pattern of approximately 7-8h a day can also help keeping headaches away. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, physical exercises, yoga, massage therapy fulham, breathing techniques will keep the stress level low and therefore decrease the risks of headaches coming back. They will also help to get rid of the existing headaches and make it more manageable during daily activities.

Migraine and headache massage therapy fulham

Massage plays a significant role in managing and preventing headaches. Releasing the tension from muscles and connective tissue will help to increase blood flow and oxygen level into the brain. It also releases any trigger points which often send a referring pain to the head. You might notice, sometimes during massage, by pressing certain points in the neck and shoulders, we can find the places which radiate towards the head. These are active trigger points which every massage therapist will try to eliminate. It is very important to fully release them as aggravated trigger points can increase the intensity or frequency of headaches.

Massage is also very relaxing for mind and body. It can calm the neural system and re-balance hormones. A regular full body massage is a great opportunity to spend a bit of time alone, get tuned in with the body and simply switch off.

Neck stretches to help headaches

Stretching neck and shoulders will help to maintain posture and minimise the muscle tension. Keeping the shoulders high next to the ears will shorten the neck muscles and therefore narrow the path for the blood vessels to deliver oxygen to the brain. It will also cause muscle imbalance and damage to your spine. Here are a few fantastic neck stretches which will help to decrease headaches and migraines. They should be performed daily as a preventative measure and 2-3 times a day when experiencing headaches. It is important to hold each stretch for approximately 30 seconds and to make sure they are being done equally on both sides. Remember not to lift your shoulders up when performing the stretch as it can create an inappropriate movement pattern.

To find out more about massage therapy fulham, headaches and migraines, look at our website: https://www.fulham-massage.com/commonly-treated/headaches or give us a call on 020 3794 9760. We will be delighted to help!