Lets talk about tension headaches

We all get headaches from time to time.  Tension headaches are characterised by

  • Dull, aching head pain.
  • Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head.
  • Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles.

Tension headaches are the most common form of headaches and can last anywhere between 30 minutes to a week.  If they occurr more than 15 days in a month for 3 months you have chronic tension headaches.

People are more susceptible to tension headaches when they have

  • their period (women only)
  • under pressure or stress
  • poor posture

I know that peole find tension headaches are annoying and sometimes headache tablets either don’t work or work initially and then less helpful.  Here in clinic we find that deep tissue massage on the couch allows us to identify which muscles in the neck, shoulders, upper back and chest are tight and release them.  We frequently find this either release the tension headache or at least lessens it.  If you are prone to tension headaches, then a series of massages may assist especially if you have poor posture, under pressure or highly stressed.

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    1. Innerfield I. The anti-inflammatory effect of parenterally administered proteases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1957 Aug 30;68(1):167-76; discussion 176-7.
    2. Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.
    3. Taussig SJ The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain Medical Hypotheses 1980; 6: 99-104
    4. Donaho C, Rylander C Proteolytic enzymes in athletic injuries: a double blind study of a new anti-inflammatory agent Delaware Medical Journal 1962; 34: 168-170.
    5. Cirelli MG Clinical experience with bromelains in proteolytic enzyme therapy of inflammation and edema Medical Times 1964; 92(9): 919-922.
    6. Taussig SJ, Batkin S Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple and its clinical application Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1988; 22: 191-203.
    7. Atal CK, Zutshi U, Rao PG. Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic herbals on bioavailability of drugs. J Ethnopharmacol. 1981 Sep;4(2):229-32.
    8. Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, Jaiswal J, Gupta SK. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2001 Oct-Dec;26(4):241-7.
    9. Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.

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