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Massage therapy good medicine for migraines
By MELANIE B. GLOVER
Sacramento Bee
Article Last Updated: 03/03/2008 01:44:23 AM PST
Migraines hurt.
While symptoms vary from person to person, the pain associated with these headaches is always unpleasant. But there is hope for those who have given up on their own coping strategies, and it's literally within arm's reach.
Studies have shown that massage therapy can relieve or prevent pain connected with migraines, though it doesn't replace the need for medication and help from a doctor, experts say.
Migraines can be reduced in frequency by regular massage sessions, which decrease anxiety, heart rate and amounts of the stress hormone cortisol, according to the International Journal of Neuroscience.
Headache expert and neurologist Dr. Audrey L. Halpern of Rye, N.Y., says massage should be concentrated around the upper neck and shoulder regions.
The neck is important because it is connected to the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, a group of neurons centered in the brain stem that extend into the upper cervical spinal cord, i.e. the upper neck.
Communication between these neurons and other neurons in the neck that mediate control of the neck may be the underlying reason that migraines can cause neck pain and that neck pain can prompt migraines.
"The two most common acute migraine triggers are stress and neck muscle spasms," Halpern says, noting that full-body massage also can help by reducing stress and boosting levels of serotonin.
That's where A.J. Sanchez comes in. A certified massage therapist at the Healing Touch Chiropractic in
Sacramento, Sanchez suggests a preventive measure for migraine sufferers: Stay hydrated, and find a plan that works best for you.
"Massage methods should be done on an individual basis," Halpern says. "Some find it helpful, but (others) can have their migraines triggered by manipulation of the neck."
In addition, the many complications that go along with migraines should all be addressed, notes chiropractor Darrick Lawson.
For those who aren't yet willing to spend $100-plus for a massage, Sanchez recommends some work to do at home.
Feel a headache coming on? You may be able to prevent it from turning into a migraine by trying these simple massage techniques:
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