Did you know that tension-type headaches make up 60% of all headaches? Often linked to forward-head posture from long hours at the computer or texting, these headaches can also involve tightness in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. This muscle tension can restrict movement in the spine, shoulders, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to inflammation and nerve irritation. The good news? By addressing these underlying issues, you can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of tension headaches.
Our Success Rate is Over 90%
Our 90% success rate in treating tension headaches stems from our comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, focusing on pain relief and improved function. By integrating Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques with a customized program of functional exercises, we can often address the root causes of tension headaches, leading to longer-lasting relief and improved overall function
Article Index:
The Chemistry of Pain
A review of the literature on tension headaches highlights a common connection to changes in three key chemicals: Serotonin, Bradykinins, and Substance P. These headaches often occur when the levels of these substances are altered. (11)
Serotonin: Acts as a neurotransmitter that facilitates nerve signal transmission between neurons. It also causes blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstriction), which can trigger pain.
Bradykinins: Play a key role in the inflammatory response by promoting the widening (vasodilation) of blood vessels and stimulating muscle contractions, potentially leading to increased sensitivity.
Substance P: Crucial for transmitting pain signals from peripheral receptors to the central nervous system. Although this discussion focuses on tension headaches, these chemicals also significantly impact migraines. (11, 12)
The Tension Headache Correlation
Research shows that when soft tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, it can trigger the release of chemicals like Bradykinin, Serotonin, and Substance P. These chemicals sensitize nerve endings, leading to the onset of pain and tension headaches. Alleviating physical issues such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, and lingering effects from past injuries may offer a pathway to reducing or even eliminating this pain.
Improving posture can relieve the strain on muscles and nerves, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches. Balancing muscle strength and flexibility helps prevent unnecessary tension that could trigger headaches. Additionally, addressing the root causes of previous injuries can decrease chronic inflammation or irritation, which might otherwise prompt the release of these pain-related chemicals. This comprehensive approach not only targets the immediate pain but also works to prevent tension headaches from occurring in the future. (2, 16)
Symptoms and Physical Examination
Tension headaches typically last from 30 minutes to an hour, but in some cases, they can persist for weeks. The pain is often described as a dull, mild to moderate ache or a tight band of pressure around the head.
This sensation might feel like a vice gripping the skull, and in severe cases, the pain can extend to the shoulders, creating the impression of a heavy cloak draped over them. This suggests that tension headaches may involve a broader kinetic chain, affecting areas beyond just the head.
Tension Headache vs. Migraine
Tension headaches are distinguishable from migraines by the absence of certain symptoms. Unlike migraines, tension headaches don't typically cause visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, one-sided numbness, or speech difficulties. Common symptoms of tension headaches include:
A band-like pressure around the head
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
Fatigue and irritability
Reduced appetite
Discomfort in the neck, jaw, or shoulders
Intense pain behind the eyes or eye strain
Scalp tenderness
Unlike migraines, tension headaches usually do not worsen with physical activity, and nausea and vomiting are not typically present.
Cervical Examination - Orthopaedic Testing
In this video, you'll be guided through a detailed examination of the cervical region, focusing on how issues in the neck can contribute to tension headaches. The examination includes inspection, palpation, and assessment of both active and passive ranges of motion, as well as orthopaedic tests specifically aimed at identifying factors that might trigger or exacerbate tension headaches. Understanding the cervical spine's role in tension headaches is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Cranial Nerve Examination - 12 Cranial Nerves
Conducting a Cranial Nerve examination is a key part of evaluating potential sensory and motor dysfunction that may contribute to tension headaches. This examination is routinely performed on all new patients to identify any underlying neurological issues that could be linked to headache symptoms, ensuring a thorough assessment and targeted treatment plan.
Upper Limb Neuro Exam
The upper limb neurological examination is an essential part of assessing patients with tension headaches. By evaluating the motor and sensory neurons that serve the upper limbs, this exam helps detect any nervous system impairments that could contribute to or exacerbate tension headaches. This assessment is a valuable tool for both screening and investigating the potential neurological causes of headache symptoms.
Peripheral Vascular Examination - Key Points
A peripheral vascular examination is crucial for ruling out vascular-related issues that might contribute to tension headaches. Early detection of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) can help prevent complications that could exacerbate headache symptoms. This video highlights common procedures we use in clinical practice to assess peripheral vascular function, ensuring that any vascular factors contributing to tension headaches are identified and managed effectively.
Manual Therapy - A Powerful Tool
Addressing tension headaches effectively involves targeting physical restrictions throughout the kinetic chain. Even small changes in tissue tension can greatly impact headache frequency and severity.
Research shows that tension in the shoulder, neck, and jaw often amplifies tension headaches, but manual therapy and targeted exercises can significantly reduce their occurrence and intensity.
Common postural issues like forward head posture and hunched shoulders are major contributors to chronic tension headaches. The following videos demonstrate effective techniques, combining joint manipulation with functional exercises to treat tension headaches by resolving soft tissue restrictions in key areas.
4 Point Neck Pain Protocol
In this video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates the MSR protocol designed to address neck tension, a common contributor to tension headaches. Each case of neck pain is unique and should be treated accordingly. While some headaches originate from local neck structures, others are linked to a broader kinetic chain. This protocol targets the root causes of neck tension to alleviate headaches and improve overall neck function.
MSR Ten‐Point TMJ Protocol
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) is often linked to a variety of symptoms, including tension headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and facial discomfort. The MSR Ten-Point TMJ Protocol specifically targets the soft tissues involved in TMD, aiming to relieve the root causes of these issues. By addressing jaw dysfunction and muscle tension, this protocol helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches, which are frequently connected to TMD.
Fascial Expansion: MSR Headache Protocol
In this video Dr. Abelson discusses the fascial planes directly related to headaches in this video. He then demonstrates how practitioners combine this knowledge with Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture/Acupressure). By understanding the interconnected nature of fascial planes, their effect on jaw function, and the specific acupuncture points and techniques used in TCM, practitioners can effectively alleviate pain for patients with Headaches.
Joint Restrictions and Tension Headaches
Addressing joint restrictions in the cervical spine is crucial for relieving tension headaches. If not treated, these restrictions can prevent patients from finding relief. The facet joints in the spine often contribute to headache pain.
Practitioners use Neck Adjustments or Mobilization techniques to restore mobility and reduce pain. These methods, supported by research, target specific areas of the cervical spine to improve range of motion and alleviate tension on muscles and nerves that may cause headaches. Each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual's needs to ensure the best results.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments can be highly effective in managing tension headaches. Many patients report a significant reduction in symptoms, and some even experience complete relief. In the attached video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates spinal adjustments that are particularly beneficial for tension headaches. Research supports spinal manipulations as a proven therapeutic option for alleviating tension headaches.
Neck Adjustments or Neck Mobilization - The Choice Is Yours!
Patients often aren’t fully aware of their options for addressing neck joint restrictions that contribute to tension headaches. In the attached video, Dr. Abelson demonstrates Cervical Joint Mobilization, a gentle, hands-on technique that can effectively relieve tension headaches.
Cervical Joint Mobilization involves controlled movements of the cervical spine to improve neck mobility and function. These movements help alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and enhance flexibility, making them an effective option for managing tension headaches.
Treatment Frequency Recommendations
For chronic tension headaches, the program should consist of 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, followed by a re-evaluation:
Initial Treatment Phase:
Duration: 4 to 6 weeks
Sessions: 2 sessions per week (or 1 session per week if opting for 30-minute appointments)
Focus: MSR Manual Therapy and daily home exercises.
Re-Evaluation:
Timing: After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment
Assessment: Review progress and adjust the treatment plan based on symptom improvement and functional goals.
The goal is to optimize symptom relief and improve function, with adjustments made as needed based on the patient’s response.
Exercise is Crucial
Exercise is vital in managing tension headaches. By strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, targeted exercises reduce strain on the muscles and nerves that trigger headaches. Aerobic exercises also help relieve stress, a common contributor to headaches.
These exercises range from gentle stretches to strength training, focusing on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. As patients progress, the regimen is adjusted to ensure ongoing relief and improved quality of life.
Pain Relief For Problem Headaches
In the video "Pain Relief For Problem Headaches," Miki Burton RMT, an instructor, demonstrates an effective technique to alleviate headaches. This Headache Relief video focuses on releasing trigger points in the suboccipital region at the skull's base. Releasing this area is an essential aspect of resolving headaches.
PNF Neck Stretches
Welcome to this video highlighting the incredible benefits of PNF Neck Stretches - Mobility, Strength, and Power. Numerous studies have shown that PNF stretching techniques enhance and maintain flexibility, amplify muscular strength and force, and elevate overall athletic performance.
5 Minute Neck Pain Relief
If you're experiencing tension headaches and significant neck tension, consider trying our "5 Minute Neck Pain Relief" routine. In this video, Miki Burton RMT, an exercise instructor, demonstrates how performing this routine several times a day can make a significant difference in resolving your tension headaches.
6 Effective - TMJ Exercises
In this video, Miki Burton RMT, an exercise instructor, demonstrates six effective exercises for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. TMD/TMJ issues are often critical to addressing a patient's kinetic chain when they experience tension headaches.
Why Choose Our Approach
Our comprehensive approach to treating tension headaches consistently achieves a 90% success rate in reducing pain and improving quality of life. Here's why our method stands out:
Established Expertise: Developed by Dr. Brian Abelson, our MSR methodology is backed by over 30 years of clinical experience and the successful treatment of more than 25,000 patients, ensuring you receive top-tier care.
Thorough Assessments: We conduct detailed evaluations to identify all contributing factors, including posture, muscle imbalances, and soft tissue restrictions, which are often linked to tension headaches.
Advanced MSR Procedures: Our Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques precisely target areas of muscle tension and joint dysfunction, providing effective and lasting relief.
Customized Exercise Programs: We design individualized exercise plans that improve muscle strength, flexibility, and posture, reducing the frequency and severity of tension headaches.
Logical, Evidence-Based Approach: Our treatment protocols integrate manual therapy, exercises, and supportive measures, offering a well-rounded and sustainable solution.
Choose our proven, patient-centered approach for long-term relief from tension headaches. Take the first step toward living pain-free with confidence.
References
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DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author
Dr. Abelson is dedicated to using evidence-based practices to improve musculoskeletal health. At Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he combines the latest research with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. As the creator of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he aims to educate and share techniques to benefit the broader healthcare community. His work continually emphasizes patient-centred care and advancing treatment methods.
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