Dr Maggie Ju
Acupuncture London

Understanding Headaches: Causes, Types, and Relief with Acupuncture

Headaches are a common ailment that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their lives. While often considered a minor inconvenience, headaches can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

I. Types of Headaches:

Tension Headaches:

The most common type, tension headaches typically result from stress, poor posture, or muscle tension.

Symptoms include a constant, dull ache on both sides of the head.

Migraines:

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, and nausea.

They may last for hours or even days and can be triggered by various factors such as hormonal changes, certain foods, or environmental stimuli.

Cluster Headaches:

Cluster headaches are excruciatingly painful and occur in clusters or cycles, often at the same time of day or year.

They are rare but extremely intense, causing severe pain around one eye.

Sinus Headaches:

Caused by sinus congestion or infection, these headaches typically present as a constant, deep pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose.

II. Causes of Headaches:

Stress and Tension:

High-stress levels and emotional tension can contribute to tension headaches.

Environmental Factors:

Loud noises, bright lights, and strong odors can trigger headaches, especially migraines.

Identifying and avoiding these triggers can be crucial in preventing recurring headaches.

Dehydration:

Inadequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration, a common cause of headaches.

Staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for overall health and headache prevention.

Caffeine Withdrawal:

Regular caffeine consumers may experience headaches when they miss their usual intake.

Gradual reduction rather than abrupt cessation can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms.

III. Relief of Headaches with Acupuncture

Acupuncture can effectively release headaches.

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Muscles Related to Headaches

Headaches are a common ailment, affecting millions of people worldwide. While many factors can trigger headaches, including stress, dehydration, and sinus issues, muscle tension is a significant and often overlooked contributor. Understanding the muscles related to headaches can help in both prevention and treatment.

Key Muscles Involved in Headaches

Trapezius Muscle: The trapezius muscle extends from the base of the skull down the neck and across the shoulders. It plays a crucial role in head and neck movements. Tension in this muscle, often due to poor posture or stress, can lead to pain that radiates to the base of the skull, resulting in tension headaches.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Muscle: The SCM muscle runs along the side of the neck from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. When this muscle becomes tense or strained, it can cause pain that spreads to the forehead, temples, and behind the ears, often mimicking sinus headaches.

Suboccipital Muscles: Located at the base of the skull, the suboccipital muscles control small but crucial movements of the head. Tightness in these muscles can cause tension and pressure at the back of the head, contributing to occipital headaches.

Temporalis Muscle: The temporalis muscle is located on the sides of the head, above the ears. It is involved in chewing and can become overworked due to teeth grinding or clenching. This tension can lead to pain in the temples and is a common cause of tension-type headaches.

Levator Scapulae Muscle: This muscle runs from the upper cervical spine to the shoulder blade. It helps elevate the scapula and assist in neck movements. When tense, it can cause neck stiffness and pain that radiates to the back of the head.

Acupuncture is efficient to release muscle related headache.