Can Massage Help My Migraines?

Migraines can be absolutely debilitating. Anyone who suffers from these painful, chronic headaches knows that often the only way to take the edge off is to take medicine, turn out the lights, and try to sleep it off. While there is no quick-fix cure-all for migraine sufferers, there are additional ways to address your total body health and how it affects the patterns of your migraines. Massage therapy can help.

A study performed by the University of Miami School of Medicine tested the effects of massage therapy on migraine sufferers. One group received medication and no massage therapy. The other received medication plus two 30-minute massages per week for five weeks. The massage therapy group reported fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more headache free days, fewer sleep issues, and increased serotonin levels.

So, how can massage therapy help migraine sufferers?

Ease muscle spasms and tension.

Tight muscles in the shoulders and neck are not pleasant for anyone, but they can be especially uncomfortable for migraine sufferers. A simple neck and shoulder massage can help release the tension that would otherwise radiate upwards and through the head.

Improve circulation.

Improving circulation is an important part of any pain management plan. Massage helps increase blood flow and in turn, pumps more oxygen into the blood. More oxygen generally means less muscle pain.

Regulate levels of important hormones.

Many migraine sufferers point to hormonal changes as cause of their condition. Whether its menopause or other factors causing the fluctuation, massage therapy can help address this trigger point.

Decrease pain referral.

Small, local pain points can sometimes refer to other parts of the body and trigger other issues. Massage can target these localized, very tender tissue and neuromuscular issues, release the tension, and prevent pain referral in the head.

Do you suffer from migraine headaches? Total Body Chiropractic & Massage offers several types of massage therapy that can help your pain and overall health. Let us help you come up with a plan and release you from the debilitating pain of chronic migraines.