(4/2022) A few months ago I wrote an article about how exercise may help relieve head and body aches. Massage is also a way to relieve tension that may be causing headaches. Sometimes people may think of massage as a way to relieve tension and pain in your back or shoulders but may not think of it for a headache. Most people, especially women, carry their stress in their shoulders and neck area. What you may not realize is that buildup of tension in your shoulders can transfer pain into your head, eyes and jaw area.

A few weeks ago I suffered from a headache for almost two weeks and tried everything I could think of to relieve it. Usually an adjustment from my chiropractor will take the headache away. Even after a few adjustments the headache persisted. Each time he did an adjustment he told me how tight my shoulder, neck and back muscles were. Finally I realized that I had not had a massage for a while and decided to give that a try.

My massage therapist also told me how tight all the back and neck muscles were and wondered what I had be doing to get them in that shape. I really didn’t do anything out of the ordinary but over time the muscles just reacted to everyday stress and strain and decided to spasm. After just one massage my headache was gone and that was such a relief after weeks of a nagging ache.

Sometimes the headache would be sharp pain and sometimes it may be just a foggy feeling and not being able to concentrate on daily activities. This type of distraction can interrupt your daily exercise, which in turn, can disrupt your schedule and it is very hard to get back to it once you stop. I know some people may think of a massage as a luxury and it may feel like one but in reality massage can relieve the tension buildup in your muscles that can lead to headache, back and leg pain, foot problems and even knee, elbow or wrist pain. Sometimes you may not think about muscles causing problems in the lower skull area because when you feel the back of your head it just seems like all you feel is skin over your skull. There are muscles at the base of your skull that can send pain the whole way over your head and into your eyes. Anyone who has had a therapeutic massage knows that the massage therapist may be working on your back and you may feel it down your arm or even down your leg. Remember the song about the one bone connected to the other bone, well the same goes for the muscles. Don’t think massage is just for the rich and famous.

Massage is another natural tool used to keep your body in good working condition or to bring it back to feeling healthy again if you suffer from an injury or just the everyday stress of life. Just like exercise and stretching, massage concentrates on keeping the body in the best working order possible. I try to get a massage every four to six weeks. That may seem like a luxury but for me it is an investment in my overall health. I have a great massage therapist that knows my usual problem areas and how to work on them for the best results. I’ll be glad to share her with you if you are interested. You may have to try a few before you find the massage therapist that is right for you, but don’t give up. It is well worth the research; it may just change your life.

Please take notice that I am referring to her as a therapist and not a masseuse. There is definitely a difference and that is very important. A therapist has specialized training for helping with muscle problems. Call me with questions or information that may help others with muscle tension or headaches. I’m always willing to share info and help when I can. I hope this article may be of help to you if you have been suffering from anything I mentioned. Sometimes, just reading or hearing something again may get you thinking and you may decide to try it. Remember, Keep Moving!! 717-334-6009.