Back Clinic Migraine Team. This is a genetic neurological disease characterized by episodes called Migraine attacks. They are quite different from regular headaches, which are non-migrainous. About 100 million people suffer from headaches in the U.S., And 37 million of these people suffer migraines. The World Health Organization estimates that 18 percent of women and 7 percent of men in the U.S. suffer.
They are called primary headaches because the pain is not caused by a disorder or disease, i.e., a brain tumor or head injury. Some cause pain only on the right side or left side of the head. In contrast, others result in pain everywhere. Individuals that suffer can have moderate or severe pain but usually can’t participate in regular activities because of the pain.
When a migraine strikes, a quiet, dark room may help with the symptoms. Migraines can last for four hours or can last for days. The range of time someone is affected by an attack is actually longer than the migraine itself. This is because a pre-monitory or build-up and a post-drome can last for one to two days.
Learn about the relationship between migraines associated with neck pain and how to alleviate discomfort through various techniques.
Introduction
Having a busy day with routine may lead to a number of problems, including headaches, stress, and physical exhaustion in the many parts of the body, including the skeletal system, muscles, and organs. The combination of pain and discomfort may result in overlapping risk profiles linked to long-term problems. Do you, for instance, get headaches that throb in different parts of your brain all the time, making it hard to focus on your task? Does moving your shoulders or neck provide momentary relief from stiffness? Or do you need a dark, quiet environment to feel better because you have sensitive light or sound issues? Many people who have neck discomfort and headaches may also be suffering from migraines that affect their lifestyles. In this post, we’ll examine the relationship between migraines and neck pain, the relationship between migraines and fibromyalgia, and holistic approaches to migraine symptom management.
The Migraine & Neck Connection
When it comes to headaches and migraines, many people will begin to feel tension in their heads from various areas and notice that their neck is stiff. This unilateral pain usually starts in the neck and then is accompanied by a reduced range of motion called a cervicogenic headache that can be confused with a migraine. (Al Khalili et al., 2025) Migraines are often a full-body experience with numerous symptoms that can make anybody’s daily life feel unmanageable. This is because the extra-cranial autonomic nervous system activates the trigeminal autonomic reflex, which is a physiological response that follows harmful stimuli that cause migraines to develop. (Vicente et al., 2023) Additionally, migraines can cause the individual to develop increased pain sensitivity and cervical musculoskeletal impairments like neck pain correlating with environmental factors that lead to its development. (Di Antonio et al., 2023) Many environmental factors can trigger migraines associated with neck pain, including:
Poor posture
Cervical spine misalignment
Muscle tension from stress or overuse
TMJ dysfunction
Inadequate sleep
How Fibromyalgia Connects With Migraines
Now, how would fibromyalgia be correlated with migraines for individuals? Since this link is a bit complex, both fibromyalgia and migraines are due to mitochondrial dysfunction that causes the body not to function properly. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes the central nervous system to be affected chronically and is frequently present with other chronic pain syndromes like migraines. (Janssen et al., 2021) Fibromyalgia is often characterized by widespread pain and heightened pain sensitivity from central sensitization, causing the central nervous system to become hyperresponsive. Migraines are familial, episodic, and complex sensory processing disturbances associated with various symptoms mimicking fibromyalgia. (Aguilar-Shea et al., 2022) However, many individuals with fibromyalgia can experience the following symptoms:
Intense and frequent migraines
Musculoskeletal tenderness in the neck and upper back
Amplified severity and frequency of migraine attacks
When this happens, many people who are dealing with migraines associated with fibromyalgia will seek essential integrative treatments to manage the symptoms and find relief.
Tension Headaches Explained- Video
Holistic & Functional To Reduce Migraine Symptoms
When it comes to looking for treatments that can help reduce migraine symptoms, a holistic functional treatment approach is often the best approach. By incorporating this approach, many healthcare professionals can look beyond and understand the root causes of migraines. Many migraine treatments are cost-effective and non-surgical and can help reduce the pain-like symptoms associated with migraines and help restore neck functionality.
Chiropractic Care & Manual Therapies
When the body is dealing with misalignment from the cervical area of the spine, neck pain and migraines can develop. Many individuals take chiropractic care to help with cervical mobilization and suboccipital release, which reduces tension in the muscles while increasing the range of motion in the neck. Chiropractors utilize manual and mechanical manipulation to help realign the spine and help stretch and strengthen weak muscles. Chiropractors also incorporate myofascial release and MET maneuvers to help release tension and reduce inflammation affecting the body’s soft tissue, especially within the muscles and fasciae, by allowing contraction and relaxation methods to improve somatic dysfunction within the cervical spinal area. (Jara Silva et al., 2022) Additionally, cervical spinal manipulation can be effective by reducing the pain intensity of migraines and improving the symptomatic days when individuals are experiencing migraine associated with neck pain. (Mayo & Keating, 2023)
Postural & Ergonomic Interventions
Many individuals don’t realize that some of the sources that cause their neck pain could be due to everyday motions that can lead to poor posture. Being hunched from looking down at their phones or leaning forward to look at the computer can strain the neck muscles, thus compressing the cervical nerves, leading to migraines and headaches. Incorporating craniocervical exercises can provide beneficial results for individuals with migraines correlated with neck pain, therefore reducing the frequency and improving disability that is affecting the body. (de Almeida Tolentino et al., 2021) When people start doing postural retraining and neck mobility exercises as part of their daily routine, they reduce the chances of migraines returning.
Anti-Inflammatory & Nutritional Support
Migraines can be triggered or worsened by inflammation and blood sugar instability through improper dieting. When it comes to dieting, many individuals can often see that certain foods can trigger different reactions in the body. Certain foods can trigger migraines to develop; however, by figuring out which food causes the triggers that lead to the migraine to establish, many individuals can make various changes in what they eat. Many people are encouraged to try the elimination diet to identify the food trigger causing the migraines and avoid it. (Gazerani, 2020) Hence why, incorporating foods rich in omega-3s can help not only reduce migraine headaches but also reduce chronic inflammation that is affecting the body.
Additionally, many individuals can incorporate magnesium supplements, which can help decrease migraine attacks by altering the neurotransmitter secretion in the central nervous system (Shin et al., 2020). This can help many individuals feel better over time.
Final Thoughts
There is a common route between migraines and neck pain when determining the relationship between the two conditions. Many people might have a personalized treatment strategy to control migraine symptoms and regain neck mobility by comprehending this overlapping link. The objective is to provide patients with resources that will lessen the frequency and intensity of migraines, increase energy, and enhance their quality of life, whether this is accomplished by physical treatments, dietary assistance, or lifestyle modifications.
Injury Medical & Functional Medicine Clinic
We associate with certified medical providers who understand the importance of assessing individuals dealing with neck pain associated with migraines. When asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to incorporate numerous techniques to reduce migraines from reappearing and causing neck pain. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., uses this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
References
Aguilar-Shea, A. L., Membrilla Md, J. A., & Diaz-de-Teran, J. (2022). Migraine review for general practice. Aten Primaria, 54(2), 102208. doi.org/10.1016/j.aprim.2021.102208
de Almeida Tolentino, G., Lima Florencio, L., Ferreira Pinheiro, C., Dach, F., Fernandez-de-Las-Penas, C., & Bevilaqua-Grossi, D. (2021). Effects of combining manual therapy, neck muscle exercises, and therapeutic pain neuroscience education in patients with migraine: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial. BMC Neurol, 21(1), 249. doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02290-w
Di Antonio, S., Arendt-Nielsen, L., & Castaldo, M. (2023). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments and pain sensitivity in migraine patients. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 66, 102817. doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102817
Janssen, L. P., Medeiros, L. F., Souza, A., & Silva, J. D. (2021). Fibromyalgia: A Review of Related Polymorphisms and Clinical Relevance. An Acad Bras Cienc, 93(suppl 4), e20210618. doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202120210618
Jara Silva, C. E., Joseph, A. M., Khatib, M., Knafo, J., Karas, M., Krupa, K., Rivera, B., Macia, A., Madhu, B., McMillan, M., Burtch, J., Quinonez, J., Albert, T., & Khanna, D. (2022). Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and the Management of Headaches: A Scoping Review. Cureus, 14(8), e27830. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.27830
Mayo, Z., & Keating, C. (2023). Manual Therapy and Exercise for the Management of Chronic Neck Pain With Multiple Neurovascular Comorbidities: A Case Report. Cureus, 15(3), e36961. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36961
Shin, H. J., Na, H. S., & Do, S. H. (2020). Magnesium and Pain. Nutrients, 12(8). doi.org/10.3390/nu12082184
Vicente, B. N., Oliveira, R., Martins, I. P., & Gil-Gouveia, R. (2023). Cranial Autonomic Symptoms and Neck Pain in Differential Diagnosis of Migraine. Diagnostics (Basel), 13(4). doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13040590
For individuals who suffer from migraine headaches, can incorporating physical therapy help decrease pain, improve mobility, and manage future attacks?
Migraine Physical Therapy
Cervicogenic migraine headaches can cause pain, limited motion, or confusing symptoms like dizziness or nausea. They may originate from the neck or cervical spine and be called cervicogenic headaches. A chiropractic physical therapy team can assess the spine and offer treatments that help improve mobility and decrease pain. Individuals may benefit from working with a migraine physical therapy team to perform treatments for specific conditions, quickly and safely relieving pain and returning to their previous level of activity.
Cervical Spine Anatomy
The neck is comprised of seven stacked cervical vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae protect the spinal cord and allow the neck to move through:
Flexion
Extension
Rotation
Side bending
The upper cervical vertebrae help support the skull. There are joints on either side of the cervical level. One connects to the back of the skull and allows motion. This suboccipital area is home to several muscles that support and move the head, with nerves that travel from the neck through the suboccipital area into the head. The nerves and muscles in this area may be a source of neck pain and/or headaches.
Symptoms
Sudden motions can trigger symptoms of cervicogenic migraine, or they may come on during sustained neck postures. (Page P. 2011) The symptoms are often dull and non-throbbing and may last several hours to days. Symptoms of cervicogenic migraine headache may include:
Pain on both sides of the back of the head.
Pain in the back of the head that radiates to one shoulder.
Pain on one side of the upper neck that radiates to the temple, forehead, or eye.
Pain in one side of the face or cheek.
Reduced range of motion in the neck.
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea
Dizziness or vertigo
Diagnosis
Tools a physician may use may include:
X-ray
MRI
CT scan
Physical examination includes neck range of motion and palpation of the neck and skull.
When first visiting a physical therapist, they will go through medical history and conditions, and questions will be asked about the onset of pain, symptom behavior, medications, and diagnostic studies. The therapist will also ask about previous treatments and review medical and surgical history. Components of the evaluation may include:
Palpation of the neck and skull
Measures of neck range of motion
Strength measurements
Postural assessment
Once the evaluation is completed, the therapist will work with the individual to develop a personalized treatment program and rehabilitation goals. Various treatments are available.
Exercise
Exercises to improve neck motion and decrease pressure on cervical nerves may be prescribed and may include. (Park, S. K. et al., 2017)
Cervical rotation
Cervical flexion
Cervical side bending
Cervical retraction
The therapist will train the individual to move slowly and steadily and avoid sudden or jerky movements.
Postural Correction
If forward head posture is present, the upper cervical spine and the suboccipital area could compress the nerves that travel up the back of the skull. Correcting posture may be an effective strategy for treatment and can include:
Performing targeted postural exercises.
Utilizing a supportive neck pillow for sleep.
Using a lumbar support when sitting.
Kinesiology taping may help increase tactile awareness of back and neck position and improve overall postural awareness.
Heat/Ice
Heat or ice may be applied to the neck and skull to help decrease pain and inflammation.
Heat can help relax tight muscles and improve circulation and may be used before performing neck stretches.
Massage
If tight muscles are limiting neck motion and causing head pain, a massage can help improve mobility.
A special technique called suboccipital release loosens the muscles that attach the skull to the neck for improved motion and decreased nerve irritation.
Manual and Mechanical Traction
Part of the migraine physical therapy plan may involve mechanical or manual traction to decompress the neck’s discs and joints, improve motion in the neck, and decrease pain.
Joint mobilizations may be used to improve neck motion and manage pain. (Paquin, J. P. 2021)
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation, like electro-acupuncture or transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation, may be used on the neck muscles to decrease pain and improve headache symptoms.
Therapy Duration
Most migraine physical therapy sessions for cervicogenic headaches last about four to six weeks. Individuals may experience relief within a few days of starting therapy, or symptoms may come and go in different phases for weeks. Some experience continued migraine headache pain for months after starting treatment and use techniques they learned to help control symptoms.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic specializes in progressive therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on restoring normal body functions after trauma and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional and integrative Nutrition, Agility and mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. Our natural programs use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals. We have teamed up with the city’s premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-quality treatments that empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living and live a functional life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain.
Chiropractic Care For Migraines
References
Page P. (2011). Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management. International journal of sports physical therapy, 6(3), 254–266.
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) (2013). The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 33(9), 629–808. doi.org/10.1177/0333102413485658
Rana M. V. (2013). Managing and treating headache of cervicogenic origin. The Medical clinics of North America, 97(2), 267–280. doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2012.11.003
Park, S. K., Yang, D. J., Kim, J. H., Kang, D. H., Park, S. H., & Yoon, J. H. (2017). Effects of cervical stretching and cranio-cervical flexion exercises on cervical muscle characteristics and posture of patients with cervicogenic headache. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(10), 1836–1840. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1836
Paquin, J. P., Tousignant-Laflamme, Y., & Dumas, J. P. (2021). Effects of SNAG mobilization combined with a self-SNAG home-exercise for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a pilot study. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 29(4), 244–254. doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2020.1864960
Individuals experiencing headaches on top of the head could be caused by different factors. Can recognizing what triggers pain or pressure help prevent this type of headache, and healthcare providers develop effective treatment plans?
Headache On Top of The Head
Various factors could cause a headache on top of the head; common causes include:
Stress
Sleep problems
Eye strain
Caffeine withdrawal
Dental problems
Hormonal changes
Alcohol consumption
Causes
Many causes have to do with underlying issues happening in other parts of the body.
Stress
Stress is a common cause of headaches, including one on top of the head.
Researchers don’t know exactly how stress causes headaches, but they think it causes tightening of the muscles in the back of the head or neck, which
pulls the tissues down, resulting in pain or pressure in the scalp and/or forehead area.
These are also called tension headaches.
Headaches caused by stress generally feel like dull pressure rather than throbbing pain.
Sleep Problems
Not getting enough sleep can induce a headache on top of the head.
When the mind and body do not get proper sleep, it can interfere with body functions like temperature, hunger, and sleep-wake cycles, which can lead to headaches.
It is common to feel more stressed when sleep-deprived, which can cause or compound a headache and other symptoms.
Eye Strain
You may develop a headache on the top of your head after you’ve been reading, watching, or otherwise focusing on something for a while.
Over time, your eye muscles tire and have to work harder, causing them to contract.
These spasms can lead to headaches. Squinting can make the muscle contractions even worse.
Caffeine Withdrawl
Individuals may feel pain on the top of their heads if they skip their regular coffee.
Regular caffeine consumption can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms, which include headaches when intake is reduced or stopped.
This type of headache can be moderate to severe and can feel worse with activity.
Teeth issues like cracks, cavities, or impaction can irritate the trigeminal nerve, setting off head pain.
Teeth grinding can also lead to headaches.
Hormonal Changes
Individuals who have a low level of thyroid hormone may experience headaches.
This could be from having too little thyroid or a symptom of the condition.
Like stress-induced headaches, this type is generally dull and not throbbing.
Some women may feel pain on the top of their heads before menstruation triggered by estrogen levels dropping.
Alcohol
Some individuals develop a headache on the top of their head or elsewhere within a few hours after drinking alcohol.
This is known as a cocktail headache.
Alcohol-induced headaches usually resolve within 72 hours.
The mechanism behind this headache is not fully researched, but it’s been thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain/vasodilation when consuming alcohol may trigger head pain.
This type of headache is different than a hangover headache that comes from overconsumption and is based on dehydration and the toxic effects of alcohol. (J G Wiese, M. G. Shlipak, W. S. Browner. 2000)
Rare Causes
Top-of-the-head pain can also result from more serious and rare causes:
Brain Tumor
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of brain tumors.
A headache on the top of the head depends on the location and size of the tumor. (MedlinePlus. 2021)
Brain Aneurysm
This is a weak or thin area in a brain artery that bulges and fills with blood, which can cause a life-threatening rupture.
A medical professional will be able to help identify the type of headache being experienced, offer treatment options, and advise on how to manage triggers.
Headaches are a common condition that most experience and can differ greatly regarding type, severity, location, and frequency. Headaches range from mild discomfort to constant dull or sharp pressure and severe throbbing pain. A headache chiropractor, through therapeutic massage, decompression, and adjustments, alleviates the headaches, whether tension, migraine, or cluster, releasing the tension and restoring normal function.
Headache Chiropractor
Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches caused by overactivity, muscle tension, or problems with pain-sensitive structures in the head. These are not a symptom of an underlying disease and include tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. The other 5 percent of headaches are secondaryand are caused by an underlying condition, infection, or physical issue. Headaches have various causes or triggers. These include:
Long hours driving
Stress
Insomnia
Blood sugar changes
Foods
Smells
Noises
Lights
Excessive exercise or physical activity
Individuals spend more hours in one fixed position or posture, like sitting in front of a computer or standing at a workstation. This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the upper back, neck, and scalp, causing achiness and discomfort that builds up to throbbing soreness. The headache’s location and the discomfort experienced can indicate the type of headache.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors are experts in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Research shows that a headache chiropractor can adjust the spine’s alignment to improve spinal function, release and relax the tense muscles, and alleviate nervous system stress helping decrease the intensity and frequency. Treatment includes:
The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Teamwill develop a personalized treatment plan for the individual’s specific condition and needs.
Migraine Treatment
References
Biondi, David M. “Physical treatments for headache: a structured review.” Headache vol. 45,6 (2005): 738-46. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05141.x
Bronfort, G et al. “Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: a systematic review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 24,7 (2001): 457-66.
Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008
Côté, Pierre, et al. “Non-pharmacological management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for traffic injury management (OPTIMa) collaboration.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 23,6 (2019): 1051-1070. doi:10.1002/ejp.1374
Headaches are one of the common issues that affect anyone worldwide. Different issues can cause headaches and affect other individuals depending on the issue. The pain can range from being dull to sharp and affect a person’s mood, sense of belonging, and body. Different headaches can have different effects on people since headaches can be acute or chronic and overlap with other issues affecting the body. To that point, the surrounding muscles and organs around the face may be involved with other conditions where headaches are a symptom rather than a cause. Today’s article examines the temporalis muscle, how trigger pain affects the temporalis muscle, and how to manage the pain associated with trigger points. We refer patients to certified providers who specialize in musculoskeletal treatments to aid individuals suffering from trigger point pain associated with the temporal muscle pain along the side of the head. We also guide our patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their examination when appropriate. We ensure to find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Jimenez DC observes this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Temporalis Muscle?
Have you been dealing with a dull or sharp ache on the side of your head? What about the tension that is along your jawline? Or have you been dealing with tooth pain throughout the entire day? Encountering these symptoms can be difficult as they affect the facial region of the head and might overlap with the temporal muscle. The temporalis muscle is part of the mastication muscles, which includes the medial pterygoid, lateral pterygoid, and masseter muscles. The temporalis muscle is a flat, fan-shaped muscle that spans from the temporal fossa to the inferior temporal line of the skull. This muscle converges to form a tendon that surrounds the jaw bone and helps stabilize the jaw and its function by extending and retracting. Studies reveal that the temporalis muscle has two tendons: superficial and deep, in the back of the molars to aid chewing and are attached to the coronoid process (the skin and subcutaneous tissues that cover the superficial tendon of the temporalis muscle and the masseter muscle.) To that point, traumatic and ordinary factors can affect the temporalis muscle and cause symptoms associated with the muscle.
How Do Trigger Points Affect The Temporalis Muscle?
When traumatic or ordinary factors begin to affect the body, including the oral-facial region, it can cause unwanted symptoms to develop over time and, if not treated, make a person’s life miserable. Studies reveal that individuals dealing with chronic tension-type headaches have intense pain from the temporalis muscle. When the temporalis muscle becomes sensitive to the touch, the pain can travel to different body areas. These are known as myofascial or trigger points, and they can be a bit challenging for doctors to diagnose because they can mimic various pain symptoms. Trigger points along the temporalis muscles may potentially affect the teeth and cause headaches to form. Active trigger points in the temporalis muscle could potentially evoke local and referred pain while constituting one of the contributing sources of headache pain. Now how can the temporalis muscle induce chronic tension-type headaches? Well, trigger points are caused when the muscles are overused and can develop tiny knots along the muscle fibers.
Trigger points along the temporalis muscle could potentially induce abnormal dental pain. Studies reveal that abnormal dental pain can be referred to as neurovascular headaches associated with tension on the temporalis muscle. Since trigger points often mimic other chronic conditions that confuse many people about why they are experiencing pain from one section of their body, there are no signs of traumatic encounters. Since trigger points can cause pain to travel from one area of the body to another, many individuals try to find therapeutic ways to alleviate their pain.
An Overview Of The Temporal Muscle- Video
Have you been experiencing headaches that affect your daily activities? Does your jaw seem stiff or tender to the touch? Or have your teeth become extra sensitive when eating certain foods? Many of these symptoms may involve trigger points affecting the temporalis muscle. The video above gives an overview of the anatomy of the temporalis muscle in the body. The temporalis is a fan-shaped muscle that converges into tendons that help make the jaws move. When factors affect the body, especially the temporalis muscle, it can potentially develop trigger points along the muscle fibers. To that point, trigger points can mimic conditions affecting the body, like chronic tension-type headaches and tooth pain. Studies reveal that the pain pressure associated with trigger points along the temporalis muscle is consistently higher when there are different amounts of tooth clenching or jaw gaps. As luck would have it, there are ways to manage temporal muscle pain associated with trigger points.
Ways To Manage Temporal Muscle Pain Associated With Trigger Points
Since trigger points along the temporalis muscle could potentially cause pain in the oral facial region, the surrounding muscles like the upper trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid with their trigger points may cause jaw motor dysfunction and tooth pain. Fortunately, musculoskeletal specialists like chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists can find where the trigger points are located and use various techniques to alleviate trigger point pain along the temporalis muscle. Studies reveal that soft tissue manipulation can help release the trigger point pressure off of the temporalis muscle and cause relief. Utilizing soft manipulation on myofascial temporalis pain affecting the neck, jaw, and cranial muscles can help reduce headache pain symptoms and help many people feel relief.
Conclusion
The temporalis in the body is a flat, fan-shaped muscle that converges down to the jawline and works with the other mastication muscles to provide the motor function to the jaw. When ordinary or traumatic factors affect the temporalis muscle, it can develop trigger points along the muscle fibers. To that point, it causes pain-like symptoms and even causes referred pain like tension headaches and toothaches in the oral-fascial region of the head. This can make many people suffer in pain unless there are ways to manage the associated symptoms. Fortunately, many musculoskeletal specialists can incorporate techniques that target trigger-point pain related to the affected muscle. When people utilize treatment for myofascial trigger pain, they can get their lives back together.
References
Basit, Hajira, et al. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Mastication Muscles – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541027/.
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, César, et al. “The Local and Referred Pain from Myofascial Trigger Points in the Temporalis Muscle Contributes to Pain Profile in Chronic Tension-Type Headache.” The Clinical Journal of Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2007, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18075406/.
Fukuda, Ken-Ichi. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Abnormal Dental Pain.” Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Korean Dental Society of Anesthsiology, Mar. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564113/.
Kuć, Joanna, et al. “Evaluation of Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder-Myofascial Pain with Referral.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI, 21 Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767373/.
McMillan, A S, and E T Lawson. “Effect of Tooth Clenching and Jaw Opening on Pain-Pressure Thresholds in the Human Jaw Muscles.” Journal of Orofacial Pain, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1994, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7812222/.
Yu, Sun Kyoung, et al. “Morphology of the Temporalis Muscle Focusing on the Tendinous Attachment onto the Coronoid Process.” Anatomy & Cell Biology, Korean Association of Anatomists, 30 Sept. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8493017/.
Migraines affect an estimated 38 million people, including children, in the United States alone. Worldwide, that total jumps to 1 billion. Migraine ranks number three among common illnesses in the world and number six among disabling illnesses. More than 90% of people who suffer from migraines cannot function normally or work during an attack.
A migraine attack is often debilitating and extremely painful. It is also challenging to stop once it starts. The best treatment for migraines is to prevent them from ever occurring. Several methods work for some people, but chiropractic is a popular preventative measure that many people have found to help them be migraine-free.
Migraine Symptoms
A severe headache is the first thing people think of regarding migraines, but there are other symptoms which include:
Pain located on one or both sides of the head
Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
Pain that is pulsing or throbbing
Lightheaded and possibly fainting
Hypersensitivity to smell, taste, or touch
Loss of motor function or, in more severe cases, partial paralysis (such as with hemiplegic migraine)
Some migraineurs experience auras before an attack, usually around 20 to 60 minutes. This can give the patient time to take specific measures to stop the attack or minimize it. However, it is still the right course of action to incorporate certain activities into your lifestyle to prevent migraines.
Causes of Migraines
Doctors don’t know the exact causes of migraines, but research does indicate that certain triggers can initiate an attack. Some of the more common migraine triggers include:
Foods Processed foods, salty foods, aged cheeses, and chocolate.
Beverages Coffee and other caffeinated drinks as well as alcohol (particularly wine)
Hormonal changes occur mainly in women, usually during menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy.
Food additives Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame, as well as certain dyes.
Stress Environmental, stress at home or work, or illness that puts strain on the body.
Sleep problems Getting too much sleep or not getting enough sleep.
Sensory stimuli Sun glare and bright lights, strong smells like secondhand smoke and perfume, and specific tactile stimulation.
Medication Vasodilators (nitroglycerin) and oral contraceptives.
Physical exertion Intense exercise or other physical exertion.
Jet lag
Weather changes
Skipping meals
Change in barometric pressure
Some research also shows a possible serotonin component. Serotonin is integral to regulating pain in the nervous system.
During a migraine attack, serotonin levels drop. Migraine Treatments
Migraine treatments are classified as either abortive or preventative. Abortive medications primarily treat symptoms, usually pain relief. They are taken once a migraine attack has already begun and are designed to stop it. Preventative medications are typically taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraines and the severity of attacks. Most of these medications can only be obtained by prescription, and many have unpleasant side effects.
A migraine specialist can recommend medications and other treatments, including acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupressure, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes. Adequate sleep, relaxation exercises, and dietary changes may also help.
Chiropractic for Migraines
A chiropractor will use a variety of techniques when treating migraines. Spinal manipulation of one of the most common, usually focusing on the cervical spine. By bringing the body into balance, it can relieve the pain and prevent future migraines. They may also recommend vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements and lifestyle changes, which usually eliminate triggers.
One migraine study found that 72% of sufferers benefitted from chiropractic treatment with noticeable or substantial improvement. This is proof that chiropractic is an effective treatment for relieving pain and preventing migraines.
Headaches are a real pain (insert eye-roll here). Many individuals suffer from them, and there are a variety of causes, symptoms, and treatment options. For some, they are a rare occurrence, while others deal with them weekly or even daily. They can range from minor inconveniences to full-fledged life-changing afflictions.
The first step in treating headaches is to understand the type of headache you are experiencing. Some people think they have a migraine when in fact, they are suffering from a tension headache. While tension headaches are more common, it’s estimated by the Migraine Research Foundation that 1 in 4 U.S. Households include someone with a migraine.
Determining which headache is being dealt with takes a bit of research. Individuals suffering from headaches need to ask themselves these questions to determine if they are having a migraine or experiencing a tension headache.
When in life did the headaches begin? According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines start in adolescence or early adulthood. In contrast, tension headaches can start at any time in a person’s life. If an adult just began suffering from headaches, they are most likely tension headaches.
Where does it hurt? The location of the pain is a vital indicator of the type of headache. Migraines typically occur on one side of the head. Tension headaches affect both sides of the head and can produce a feeling of pressure in the forehead area.
What kind of pain is it? If it is a dull pain, a feeling of pressure, or tenderness around the scalp, it’s most likely a tension headache. If, on the other hand, the pain is throbbing or pulsing pain, it could be a migraine. Both headaches can offer up severe pain, just different types.
Are there any other symptoms?Migraines typically come with symptoms beyond head pain. Nausea, light and sound sensitivity, bright flashing or sparkling lights, pins and needle sensations down one or both arms, or dizziness are common. Individuals who don’t experience any of these symptoms are most likely dealing with a tension headache.
Can you function? While painful and frustrating, many people with a tension headache can still perform their jobs, drive, read, and deal with daily life. A migraine is a different story. Lying in a dark, quiet room with a sleep mask on until the headache passes is how most people handle migraines. If the headache is life-disrupting, it could very well be a migraine.
Do regular painkillers work? Tension headaches can often be relieved by over-the-counter pain medications. Migraines don’t budge with these treatments. Once a migraine is in full force, the sufferer must ride it out. If a headache reacts well to a couple of non-prescription painkillers, it’s most likely a tension headache.
Most individuals will, unfortunately, deal with a headache at one point in their lives. It’s important to note that tension headaches are much more common than migraines, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of a headache being a migraine. The answers to the above questions give insight into the type of headache occurring and how best to handle the treatment proactively. No matter the type of headache, if the pain is severe, or begins after a head injury, seek medical treatment immediately.
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