Natural relief for tension headaches with Dry Needling

Do you suffer from tension headaches? For many headache sufferers, they often find that not only are they dealing with a tension headache but that they often seem to have tight tender shoulder and neck muscles(usually those on right by their neck(the upper traps/trapezius)) and tender muscles between the shoulder blades(rhomboids and levator scapulae). In fact, 1 of the muscles, levator scapulae has its own syndrome that is responsible for a large number of tension headaches. Now, a recent article in Wiley Clinical Case reports looked at using dry needling for taming the headaches that come from these tight and tender muscles. 

First, what is levator scapulae syndrome and how does it affect tension headaches.  Levator scapulae syndrome (LSS) is a musculoskeletal disorder, characterized by pain and stiffness in the upper thoracic(mid back) and cervical (neck) regions, with limited cervical range of motion and tenderness to pressure at the part of the shoulder blade closest to your neck.  People often notice muscular knots between the shoulder blade and neck with tenderness right at the bone(where the muscle connects to the bone) In fact, many people might get scanned and be told that there’s inflammation or hot spots and this happens in more that 60% of people with levator scapulae syndrome. So, why does this happen. Is it inflammation, is it something out of place, or is it something else? For most people, what they’re dealing with is something known as a trigger point. It’s where the muscle has become locked down and forms a tight tender knot. This extra tension then irritates both the connection of the muscle to the bone and also the connections all up and down the neck and specifically to the muscles around the back of the head. This extra tension often builds throughout the day leading to headaches. 

So, how can dry needling actually help with tension headaches? You can read all the sciency stuff in the article above but for our purposes, there are 3 things that are going on when we use acupuncture needles for tension headaches. 

• First, insertion of the needle acts like a massage therapists elbow(only actually going into the muscle itself) and often as we use multiple needles it is like your massage therapist having multiple elbows that they can hold onto a muscle for 20-30 minutes at a time.(think how your muscles would feel if that could happen)

• Second, insertion of the muscles into the trigger point activates your nervous system causing it to release endorphins and serotonin which helps regulate pain. 

• Third it causes your muscles to release something called interstitial adenosine which is one of your body’s natural anti-inflammatories(reducing sensitization through reduced inflammation). 

What is Dry Needling and how can it help neck arthritis or if I’m bone on bone?

Dry needling is a treatment where Dry Needling certified Physiotherapists use acupuncture needles at specific points around the neck, upper back, and shoulders(usually where you feel the most pain or stiffness) to stimulate healing, reduce pain and stiffness, and decrease some of the most common causes of neck pain including trigger points. It works by reducing some of the main drivers of pain, especially sensitive nerves around the neck, tight tendons, ligaments, and fascia. If your pain is coming from elsewhere, we will often use the acupuncture needles to treat the foundational issues that are leading to more stress and pain at the neck. Schedule Free Dry Needling Consult with one of our Certified Doctors of Physiotherapy

Is it Safe

Yes, dry needling is used everyday and does not have the nasty side effects of opioids, doesn't weaken the neck joint like steroid shots, and often doesn't need to be done for years on end like injections. Often the only things somebody notices is some soreness from the muscles that were treated. We also supercharge out treatments by using electrical stimulation to your sore spots so you can feel improvement, often immediately.

Can I just have you do dry needling?

Dry needling works best when we do it with simple stretches and foundation fixing strength exercises that you can do with minimal equipment at home. At Body Mechanix, we teach you how to keep the healing going while you are in between treatments and is part of a holistic plan of care to treat the whole you.

How do I know if it is right for me?

Find out if this is the right treatment option for you for absolutely free by scheduling a no-cost dry needling consultation with one of our dry needling certified Doctors of physiotherapy. These are in limited supply and are on a first come first served basis.

Do I need a prescription?

No, in Florida you do not need a prescription to start.

What if I have more questions?

One of our Dry Needling Certified Doctors of Physiotherapy would be happy to answer any questions you may have-and they'll do it at absolutely no cost to you. Claim your Free Dry Needling Consultation here. In the notes, tell them that you have dry needling questions.

Need help now? Come by and talk with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy at no charge. We offer FREE consultations, which give you the opportunity to come in and meet us and see for yourself how we can help you.

Here are just a few of the things you will learn in one of our free consultation:

• What is the underlying cause of your pain? (hopefully nothing too serious!)

• Roughly, how long will it take to fix the problem?

• What to do to help – which doesn’t include painkillers, resting or surgery etc.

• What other, natural, drug free methods are there to speed up recovery alongside treatment?

Our consultations are great for anyone that may be “unsure” if physio is right for them, and they give you the opportunity to ask questions and see for yourself if we can help you.

If you’d like one of our limited free consultation sessions, please click here to schedule your free consultation or CALL us on 850-765-2779 to make a no-obligation enquiry.

About the Author

Dr. Brandon is the owner and a Physio at Body Mechanix Physiotherapy and Fitness. Four of his favorite people call him daddy while he's been married to his other favorite person for 23 years. He enjoys teaching martial arts and is a Mestrando in Capoeira while in the mornings, he can be found working out with the guys in F3 around town.  He's the author of 4 pain relief guides for sciatica, low back, shoulder, and knees and the lead contributor to the Active Tallahassee Blog.