Recent research has shown that certain types of surgery can eliminate migraines and cluster headaches. The procedure involved removing muscles at the base the patient’s skull. After these muscles were removed, the pressure from the muscles causing the headache was released. The head pain could be relieved if the muscles were not compressed. Surgery is, however, invasive. Surgery can cause tissue injury. Side effects and side effects can occur after surgery. Researchers had already discovered that headaches were caused primarily by muscles.
Research
The researchers knew that the headaches were caused by tightness in the muscles below the base (back) the skull. They didn’t look into other therapies that were less invasive or already available. Researchers didn’t know that there are simple, effective and natural ways to relieve pain.
- In medicine, the role of muscles and soft tissues in pain is often overlooked. This is not something that medical schools teach.
- Conventional medicine is not well-versed in methods of treating or releasing muscle. This is another area that is rarely discussed in medical schools.
- Tight muscles can easily be released manually.
What to do?
Apply pressure with your fingers to the pain-causing muscles and it will release them. These muscles are known as the occipital muscle. They are located below the occipital bones, which is the lowest point of your skull. Muscles work together, so you may have many tight muscles in this area. Tight muscles can entrap (trap) nerves. They may also contain trigger points that can cause pain. Muscles should not be too tight.
Overworked muscles can cause muscle tightening. Overworking our muscles can cause them to become bones. Your occipitals are being overworked if your head is too far forward. These muscles now act as bones to support your head. They don’t have to do that. They are just muscles that help you move. Your occipital muscles will be tightened if you wear glasses or tilt your head back a lot. Your occipital muscles can complain and cause a headache or migraine.
Do this!
How can you loosen these tight muscles? A good massage therapist will know how to deeply work into the occipital muscles. He or she will first warm the area with their hands, then use their fingers or a small rubber-tipped instrument to press into the occipitals. Although you can “dig” into the muscles and press them in, it is not as effective as a professional massage therapist.
You may still be able to achieve some positive results. If the spot is tender, you know that you are in the right spot. Each spot should be held for 12 seconds. You can return to the most tender areas several times, but only for 12 seconds each time. Ice therapy is a great option. As you lie down on your back, place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas under your neck.
Between you and the icepack, place a pillowcase or other thin fabric. You can leave the ice pack on for 20 minutes. For tight muscles, heat is better than ice. Some discomfort can be caused by pressure on the tight occipital muscles. Because they are tighter that they should, this is why they can cause discomfort. These muscles can be released and will not cause headaches or migraines.