If you have seen our earlier post, you will know that June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness month – A global campaign to help bring attention those suffering from complications brought about from both migraines and headaches.
At Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic, we are passionate advocates for such an important initiative and will be, across the month, highlighting several of our very own treatments that we know can help relieve the pain of those suffering from migraines and headaches.
One treatment we offer that has been recognised as a relief system for headaches is in fact, Sports Massage.
Before we get into that however – let’s paint the picture of the scale of which headaches are affecting society and develop an understanding of what headaches are.
It has been noted that in the UK alone over 10 million people are said to suffer from headaches regularly and approximately 8 million suffer from migraines. Which can be understood because, and as the International headache society report, there are over 300 types of headaches with the most common being tension headaches – it has also been reported that females are more likely to experience some form of tension headaches than that of their male counterparts.
So how do you know you’re suffering from a headache or migraine?
Well symptoms for headaches may include pain in the either of the following: the neck, behind the eyes, the head and the forehead. The most common triggers include poor posture, long periods looking at screens (those with desk-based jobs are more susceptible to headaches), stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and fatigue.
Migraines, on the other hand, have symptoms that can include blurred vision (aura), dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, sensitivity to light and extreme pain. The exact trigger in this sense however is not known but can include all the above plus food intolerance to cheese, red wine and coffee.
How can we help relieve these symptoms?
Massage can help in the treatment of these types of Headaches. It is thought by doctors that a lot of tension built up in the upper back and neck can trigger an attack. Massage focused on these areas as well as the muscles of the jaw and head can alleviate this pain. By treating the trigger points of the muscles, the body produces its own natural pain killers that help relax the muscles involved
Alternatives treatments would include the high-ranging amount of prescriptions and over the counter drugs associated with headache, however they treat the pain but not the cause. Addressing the cause limits the recurrence of headaches – which is why massage is the perfect solution.
Should you be suffering from headaches or migraines – please get in touch with us today – you can call us on 0191 233 0500 or email us at [email protected], where an appointment can be arrange for you.
#HeadacheAwarenessMonth | #ShowPurpleShowSupport
