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Sufferers of migraines are often unaware that migraines are not headaches but rather a neurological condition.

A specially-trained orthopedic massage therapist can root out the condition because s/he is trained to determine the source of the migraines and to help to relieve the tension or blockage by means of a specific massage for migraines.

Massage for Migraines

Migraines are never normal, and there are symptoms that categorically distinguish a migraine from a headache. Headaches come from the upper cervical vertebrae in the spine whereas a migraine is neurological. Research indicates overactive pain signals start in the face and spread to the central nervous system. Whenever proper communication between the trigeminal nerve in the face (pictured at right) and the brain gets interrupted by tension in the muscles around the jaw, a person is in danger of suffering from a migraine. Tension in and around the jaw can be caused by:

Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching

People who regularly grind their teeth or who clench their jaw under stress often suffer migraines due to the tightened pressure of the jaw muscles on the nerve.

Neck Injuries

People who have suffered injuries to the neck sometimes have muscular pressure on and around the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve services most of the face and scalp.

Other Contributing Factors

In addition to teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and neck injuries, other contributing factors to migraines may include:

• Gentics
• Dehydration
• Allergies
• Concussion

Some Symptoms of a Migraine

Symptoms can include but are not limited to the following:

• Excruciating pain on one side of the head
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Hot flashes
• Eye drooping
• Blurred vision and/or blind spots
• Dizziness

Migraines are never normal, and there are symptoms that categorically distinguish a migraine from a headache.

Migraine Relief from Trained Orthopedic Massage Specialists

A certified orthopedic massage therapist understands the muscular and skeletal structure of the neck and face and can:

• help determine the source of the migraines
• relieve the tension in the muscles that are putting pressure on the trigeminal nerve

The goal of a massage for migraines is to relieve muscle tension and stress in and around the neck by working on the face and deep neck muscles. The massage can safely be done at the beginning, middle or end of a migraine, so it is only a question of the client’s comfort and willingness to address it at the chosen time.

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