Since we have been talking about pain related to the cervical spine (ie temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and dry needling, it seems like an important time to mention headaches and migraines.

Headaches are typically of somatic origin. Meaning, they are the result of tense, tight muscles and/or stiff joints.

By contrast, migraines can be triggered by food allergies, environmental toxins, hormone inbalances, and other disturbances in the brain with the typical presentation of an aura followed by deep sleep. Upon awakening, the migraine is usually gone.

Headaches typically respond very well to manual therapy focused on releasing tension in the muscles and restoring mobility to stiff joints. Dry needling can be extremely helpful in targeting and releasing trigger points.

While migraines can also be improved with the same treatment, they typically also require dietary modifications, identification of environmental irritants, and potentially anti inflammatories targeting the brain (this can also be achieved through diet).

For both headaches and migraines, deep breathing exercises to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which induces relaxation and optimizes blood flow and oxygen levels can be very helpful as well.