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What Muscles Contribute to
Headache Pain?
By Jean Olsen
Many muscles can be involved in headache pain. Normal conditions
become disrupted when the shoulder, head and neck muscles
become tight. It is sometimes difficult to know what came
first- the tightening of these muscles, affecting internal
states or internal states affecting these muscles.
This disruption of normal conditions in the body creates
a negative cycle- Oxygen flow is impeded and lactic acid
builds up, making the muscle more irritated and contracted.
Muscular tension compresses blood vessels, causing a lack
of blood flow. And if there is nerve involvement it further
adds to this pain cycle.
Stress can cause the muscles in the face, neck, shoulders,
back and skull to become contracted. When this happens other
parts of the body compensate for the changes. This causes
a downward spiral in regard to the integrity of the musculoskeletal
system.
The brain receives 30% of its blood flow from the vertebral
artery. When the neck is misaligned it can block some of
this blood flow, causing a lack of oxygen and an increase
in carbon dioxide. This change alone can trigger headaches.
The following list includes five of the most popular
headache muscles:
Upper trapezius- Probably the biggest contributor to
headache pain. It is located along the top of the shoulder
from where it attaches to the arm, up along the side of
the neck, into the base of the head. Try grabbing the
right UT with the left hand (or visa versa) and squeezing
and kneading all along this muscle.
Masseter- The main reason this muscle becomes tight
is from jaw clenching, usually associated with tension.
It is located underneath the cheekbone into the bottom
of the jaw and is usually referred to as the "cheek."
Try grabbing this muscle with the thumb and pointer turned
inward, pulling the muscle outward while squeezing it.
Temporalis- This muscle can also be aggravated by tension.
It is located on the sides of the head next to the eyes
and above the ears. Using your first two fingers, move
around in small circles in this area, feeling the release
of tension.
Sternocleidomastoid- This muscle is another big contributor
to headache pain. It is located underneath the ears, extending
down across the front of the neck into the sternum or
clavicle. Move your head to the side you are about to
massage and knead up and down all along this muscle feeling
for tender spots.
Corrugator- This muscle can become tight especially
when you are worried because it controls the movement
of the eyebrow. It is located somewhat underneath the
eyebrow. Try grabbing and pulling along this muscle from
the corner of the eyebrow area outward.
Knowing how to massage and stretch these major headache
muscles can bring much relief. To learn about other muscles
involved in headache pain and more ways to treat them order
the "Headache Free…Naturally" kit.
Jean Olsen has been a licensed massage therapist since
1995 and is also a certified neuromuscular therapist. Jean operates a massage
practice specializing in natural pain relief and also maintains her website www.HeadacheStrategies.com.
For headache questions or reprint rights of this article, please contact
Jean.
