If you suffer from recurring, severe headaches, then you may be part of the 12% of Americans who experience migraines. Thanks to the fact that migraine headaches are so common, there are many effective treatments available.
Most people try medication first, but other treatments can also help patients to get rid of migraines – such as dry needling. This technique is similar to acupuncture but with a Western approach.
Let’s talk about how dry needling can help with your migraines, and where you can go for a consultation with an expert who can explain how this method may be able to help you.
Migraines vs. Regular Headaches
There are many different types of headaches. Some of the most common are tension headaches and migraines.
If you have mild to moderate pain around your head, it’s likely a tension headache. Taking medication, getting a massage, and physical therapy are effective in treating it.
On the other hand, migraines are much more severe and may come with other symptoms. Overactive nerve signals cause migraine headaches, resulting in a dull ache that can turn into throbbing pain on the sides of your head. If left untreated, a migraine can spread to your forehead and temples. In severe cases, the pain encompasses your whole head.
The main difference between migraines and other types of headaches is that the pain throbs and pulses. Migraines may also come with sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea, vomiting, vision impairment, and weakness.
Prolonged use of migraine medication for more than 10 days may actually make your headache worse or lead to other types of headaches. This is why using the appropriate medication along with dry needling can help treat your migraine very effectively.
How Dry Needling Provides Migraine Relief
Dry needling – also called trigger-point dry needling – targets trigger points which form when muscles become knotted from overuse, lack of use, or trauma. In the case of migraine headaches, trigger points in the upper back can radiate excruciating pain into the head.
To alleviate this radiating pain, specialists gently insert hair-thin needles into the trigger points. This is done to stimulate the tissue and release the tension in the trigger point.
Dry needling is a pain-management technique within the realm of physical therapy. It aims to facilitate recovery and squelch pain. Combined with exercise, physical therapy, and/or medication, dry needling can help to alleviate migraine pain.
Dry needling has minor side effects, including bruising, bleeding, and short-term soreness. If you’re pregnant or have a fear of needles, other treatments might be more suitable.
Dry Needling in Austin, TX
Here at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness, our licensed physical therapists use dry needling and other methods to help relieve head pain, including migraines. We also provide post-op and sports-related physical therapy strengthening.
We have offices conveniently located in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and Manor. If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today at (512) 284-7192 or fill out our online form. We look forward to helping you live a pain-free life!
