How Do You Massage Your Neck for Headaches?

Headaches are not always a bad habit. To most individuals, they are a struggle of everyday life that disrupts work, sleep, and general life quality. Although over-the-counter drugs provide a short-term solution, they tend to be ineffective since they do not treat tension at the neck and shoulders, which is the primary cause of frequent headaches.

By the way, in case you have previously entered the phrase “head and neck massage near me” into the search engine, it means that you are already on the right path. Specific massage, especially in the neck and shoulder area, can prove to be a potent method of lowering or even removing the symptoms of headaches. However, what would happen in case you could pick up a couple of simple tricks to do the same thing at home?

Well, let us begin.

The Link Between Neck Tension And Headaches

It is unfamiliar to most that the neck and shoulders can contribute considerably towards the development of headaches. Here's how:

Muscle Tension: A person may develop muscle tension in the neck and upper back, which may be a result of stress, poor sitting posture and spending a lot of time seated at the desk.

Reduced Blood flow: The pressure in the neck may hamper the circulation of blood to the brain, leading to a dull or pounding headache.

Nerve Compression: Cramps of the muscles can cause pressure to be applied to nerves at the bottom of the skull, creating the pain of the tension or the cervicogenic headache.

This is something you are personally familiar with, in case you ever had a headache that began in the back of your neck and spread to your temples or forehead.

How Will Massage Help?

Massage therapy has a number of benefits for people who experience headaches:

• Enhances blood flow to the brain and the muscles around it.
• Relaxes neck and shoulder areas and tension.
• Enhances the strength and elasticity of the cervical spine.
• Releases endorphins, natural pain relievers of the body.
• Lessens stress, a leading factor in tension headaches.

A professional therapist who specialized in head and neck massage around me can work on specific trigger points and the restrictions in the soft tissues to deliver permanent relief. However, it is not necessary to depend on others, as you can use some productive self-massage methods.

How To Massage Your Neck For Headaches: Step-by-Step Guide?

Before starting, make sure you’re in a quiet, comfortable space. You’ll want to be seated upright in a chair or lying flat on your back.

1. Warm Up the Area

Begin by gently rubbing the back of your neck with both hands. Use a light touch and make circular motions to encourage blood flow. Do this for 1-2 minutes to loosen the muscles.

2. Locate Tension Points

Using your fingertips, press gently along your:

• Upper trapezius muscles (top of shoulders)
• Base of the skull (where your neck meets your head)
• Sides of the neck (along the sternocleidomastoid muscle)

Feel for knots, tightness, or tender spots; these are your trigger points.

3. Apply Pressure to Trigger Points

When you have hit a tender spot:

• Use fingers to press lightly or your thumb
• Maintain the pressure between 10 and 15 seconds
• Take relaxed, deep breaths into the pressure
• Gradually release and do the same on the other side

This is not to be forced. It is aimed at venting the tension and not causing additional suffering.

4. Make Circular Movements

Massage slowly with the pad of your fingers around the neck and finger regions. This aids in disseminating the effects of the release of the pressure points and enhances the flow of blood.

5. Towel or Massage Tool

In case you are getting tired, apply a rolled-up towel or a massage ball:

• Roll the towel around the back of your neck
• Just move all the way forward with the ends in your hand and gently roll your head from side to side
• This provides a soft stretch/compression of the neck muscles

Another way would be to use a massage gun or a vibrating tool that would reach more layers of muscle, but be cautious with it.

Bonus Techniques to Improve Effectiveness

1. Add Heat

Before and after the massage, press your neck with a warm compress or heating pad. Warming up improves the circulation of blood and relaxes tense muscles.

2. Include Essential Oils

Massage can be done on the skin with either lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus oils to improve relaxation and natural pain relief.

3. Post-Massage Stretch

Softly pull at the neck muscles:

• Turn left and right.
• Rotation of the head to the left and right
• Do forward/backwards rolls of the shoulders.

Each stretch should be maintained between 15 and 30 seconds and repeated 2-3 times.

When To Visit a Professional?

Although self-massage may alleviate acute symptoms, chronic headaches usually necessitate more involvement and more planning.

In case you:

• You have regular or bad headaches
• You feel neck pains or limited mobility
• The pain will spread to your jaw, eyes or shoulders
• OTC medication is useless
• You have a hunch your headaches are postural in nature

A trained therapist/osteopath would be in a good place to do a full assessment and tailor a treatment program based on your own needs.

The Role of Osteopathy in Headache Relief

Osteopathy is an alternative treatment that deals with the correlation between the structure and the functioning of the body. Manual techniques employed by osteopaths are used to:

• Mobilize joints
• Take away muscle strain
• Improve circulation

In the case of headaches, osteopathy is focused on the cervical spine and neck muscle portions of the body, as well as associated structures that might be bringing about the headache.

It is painless and non-aggressive and can, therefore, be considered a good alternative for those who do not/cannot resist using medication.

What is a Good Head And Neck Massage Near Me?

In Oxford or the surrounding areas, Kennington Osteopathic Practice offers professional and individually based treatment approaches that are customized to headache treatment. Our trained osteopaths and massage therapist collaborate with you, focusing on finding the causes of your pain and treating it.

Regardless of whether you require a single massage or a fully planned treatment, their staff will see to it:

• A physical examination in detail
• Evidence-based treatment methods
• Professional atmosphere of calmness
• The long-term plans to avoid the repetition of headaches

Make your appointment with Kennington Osteopathic Practice now and begin the experience towards a pain-free life.

Final Thoughts

Neck tension is more prevalent than most people think, and the results are headaches. The good news is? The end can be close on occasions, even literally. You can learn to cope with or even do away entirely with these headaches by regularly self-massaging, improving your posture, and possibly with the assistance of a competent professional.

When you want to get rid of the pills that relieve pain, and when you go online and Google the term head and neck massage near me, perhaps it is time to visit your favorite practitioner who knows how the whole body works and is ready to offer a session of massage.

If you are in the area of Oxford and its vicinity, the Kennington Osteopathic Practice is the right choice based on the combination of experience, sensitivity, and success. Make an appointment now and leave the rest to their staff to have your life back without the chronic pain.

FAQs: Neck Massage for Headaches

1. Can I do a neck massage every day?

Indeed, a neck massage applied daily is helpful when applied slowly. Do not overwork, and exercise should be stopped in case of pain or uneasiness.

2. How long can we massage our necks?

The time of a decent self-massage should be5-15 minutes. Session frequency is between 30-60 minutes.

3. Does massage treat migraines?

It is possible to minimize both the occurrence and severity of migraines through massage, most particularly those migraines caused by tension or stress. Nevertheless, the outcomes are mixed, and it does not have to stop migraines altogether.

4. Can you apply a massage gun to the neck?

Be careful with massage guns on the neck. As much as possible, leave the front and spine. There are always three settings: lowest, medium, and highest, and you always start on the lowest. And in case of doubt, consulting a professional is a good idea.

5. What is the best position to avoid tension headaches?

Use an upright sitting posture with a straight back and shoulders down, with a screen at eye level. Do not stand bent over the phones and laptops for long.

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