Migraine Headache Sufferers: Massage Therapy, and Head and Neck Alignment at Broadway Wellness

Sept. 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Triggers and underlying causes of migraine headaches can be many: hormonal and cyclical shifts, caffeine and alcohol, strong perfumes and odors, foods like baked yeast, strong cheeses, and nuts, changes in weather, mental and emotional tension and stress – sometimes the cause seems to be idiopathic and unknown.

Although the triggers mentioned above can seem to set a migraine in motion, the mechanism itself is poorly understood by the medical community. There is likely an arterial spasm at the root of many migraines which may be dictated by hormone levels in the body. These aspects of the headache can be the focus of the skilled hands of a Vancouver RMT (http://www.broadwaymassageandtherapy.com/our-therapists/).

The migraine itself can potentially remove a person from their lives for hours to days. Some migraines are just under an invisible line such that a person can, barely present, take part daily activities. Other’s make it impossible to leave a dark room. Migraines can separate people from their families, their friends and workplace, from themselves – while they’re happening – and for some people migraines are happening quite frequently.
Those who have been perpetually suffering from migraines often go on a journey of exploration through the vast strategies for coping, managing, and finding root cause. It seems there is not one answer. Some people use dietary restrictions, and supplements for hormone balancing to work with their migraines.  Others find maintenance strategies in pharmaceutical medicine. Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs, Homeopathy, and Massage are just a few modalities some people use for relief, and peeling the layers toward root cause. Other forms of treatment may include stress management, and learning to calm the mind itself on a daily basis (http://www.broadwaymassageandtherapy.com/services-rates/).

Every structure in our entire body, right down to each individual cell membrane, is lined with connective tissue called fascia. It’s designed to protect and package structures, and to promote slide and glide between structures situated next to each other. Restrictions in connective tissue involving structures in the head and neck may pose an additive factor in promoting the mechanism behind migraine headaches in some cases. Also, the pituitary gland, cradled within the cranial vault (housed within the sphenoid bone) – is primarily responsible for regulating your hormones – some of which can lead to headaches through arterial constriction and dilation.

In the case of frequent migraine sufferers – checking that the bones and membranes housing the pituitary gland are giving it freedom of movement is worthy of consideration, particularly if other strategies have not been working. Structure affects function: structures free and mobile can in essence perform their functions optimally, whereas structures tethered and bound cannot. When the function of a structure is to balance hormone production in the body, it is crucial the structure is free to do so. Hormonal imbalances are often present when a migraine surfaces, which can cause vaso-constriction / dilation – disturbing blood flow to the brain. This can be detected and balanced with the help of a Naturopathic Doctor.  

Broadway Wellness is organized around a group of core Registered Massage Therapists. We have taken interest in learning about some techniques that have been known to give relief to some migraine sufferers (http://www.broadwaymassageandtherapy.com).

If you’re managing migraines in your life, and looking for options for treatment – manual assessment and treatment with a Registered Massage Therapist trained in some of the techniques mentioned above, including myo-fascial release and cranial sacral therapy, may be an avenue for you to explore. Many of the Vancouver Registered Massage Therapists at Broadway Wellness have been trained to use these techniques.  Having your hormone levels assessed and balanced by a Vancouver Naturopath, such as Krista Moyer at Broadway Wellness, can be extremely valuable and pertinent as well.