Physical Therapy Gets Rid of Headaches Naturally

Headaches, like low back pain, are one of the most common complaints among individuals and they often can be the most difficult to manage. It is nearly impossible to get rid of headaches naturally. There are numerous causes of headaches with one of the most common being tension headaches. Oftentimes these headaches are related to musculoskeletal dysfunction in the neck and thoracic region.

Natural Headache Remedy

At the base of the skull there are a group of muscles called the suboccipital muscles, which are commonly the source of tension headaches for people. These four pairs of muscles are responsible for subtle movements between the skull and first and second vertebrae in the neck.

The suboccipital muscles commonly become tense and tender due to multiple factors including eye strain, poor ergonomics at a computer desk, grinding the teeth, slouching posture, and trauma (such as a whiplash injury).

Forward head posture increases the workload on the suboccipital region. Over time, these muscles become shortened and tight due to increased pressure from the skull. These muscles continually contract to keep the head tilted up during forward head posture.

Pain from the suboccipital muscles commonly feels like a band wrapping around the head. Tension in these muscles may also cause compression of a nerve that exits the base of the skull, and trigger pain that wraps over the head and above the eyes. So, what can you do for a natural headache remedy to relieve pain caused by the suboccipital muscles? Before reaching for a pain relief medication, try the following self release with two tennis balls.

Alleviate Headache Pain With Physical Therapy

Also ask your PT! Therapists at Moriarty are trained in active release techniques and craniosacral therapy which can help relieve headache tension and stress. Give us a call when you are searching to get rid of your headache naturally!