Migraines can have a massive impact on the sufferer, to the extent that leading a normal life becomes almost impossible. Despite there being a strong lack of evidence, most clinicians agree that pain in the trapezius area contributes to headaches, says a report printed in a 2008 issue of "Current Pain and Headache Reports." Speak to your doctor or chiropractor before trying any new stretches or therapy.
Physical Manipulations
When you suffer from migraine, you have a disorder in your brain or spinal cord, involving the nerves and blood vessels. While medications are available to address this dysfunction, physical manipulations such as stretching and massage work on the out-lying muscles and joints, and Julie Mills Roth, of the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute, says that patients can learn to decrease migraine pain themselves, at least temporarily.
The Evidence
Literature on the benefits of stretching for migraines is inconsistent, but that only means that more evidence is needed. A 2005 issue of "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine" published a case study of a patient suffering from migraines after an automobile accident. After 12 weeks of spinal manipulation, the patient benefited from decrease in migraine intensity.
More recent literature reviewed and published by "The Pain Practitioner" journal in 2010 found that -- when combined with biofeedback, exercise and relaxation training -- movement therapies, such as stretching and massage, could be effective in the treatment of migraine.
Trapezius Stretch
Stand straight, feet hip-width apart, and raise your left arm. Bend your arm, so the elbow remains above your head, and your forearm falls to the back of your neck. With your right arm, grab your left wrist or hand, and pull with each arm. Gently tilt your head toward the right shoulder, hold for 15 seconds then relax. Repeat with the other side. Repeat throughout the day as required.
Other Methods
Migraines are associated with caffeine intake or withdrawal, jaw problems, such as clenching, fatigue, eye strain, heavy smoking, and colds and congestion. To ward off a migraine attack, stay as healthy as possible and work with your doctor to find the trigger for your attacks. Try changing sleeping positions or using a different pillow if you frequently wake up with pain. Practice good posture whenever possible and stretch frequently.
References
- "Current Pain and Headache Reports"; The Role of Extraocular and Facial Muscle Trigger Points in Cephalagia; Christin McMurray and Zahid Bajwa; 2008 (PDF)
- Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute: Physical Therapy and Migraine Headaches; Julie Mills Roth, MPT
- "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine"; Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Migraine Headache; Stacy Peters Harris, D.C.; 2005
- "The Pain Practitioner"; Integrative Approaches to Headache Management; Robert Bonakdar and Christy Jackson; 2010 (PDF)
