Migraines are intense, episodic headaches that can make you feel like your head is in a vice, throbbing in pain. The intense or throbbing pain is usually felt on one side of the head and can last for a few hours to a few days. Migraines can be incredibly disruptive to your daily life. The exact cause isn’t understood yet, but scientists believe it could be due to a combination of factors involving:
- Brain chemicals.
- Blood flow.
- Nerve signals.
In addition to these factors, there are certain triggers that can lead to a migraine. These triggers can vary from person to person, but may include:
- Aged cheeses.
- Processed meats with nitrates.
- Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
- Too much or too little caffeine.
- Red wine.
- Hormonal fluctuations.
- Sensory overload.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Stress.
- Dehydration.
- Weather changes.
- Certain medications.
These factors and triggers can cause you to experience migraine headaches, plus symptoms like:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Visual aura.
Affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide, migraines can start at any age, and they affect women more than men. Despite how common migraines are, it’s an often overlooked and disabling condition.
But there’s hope. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, many people can find relief through different treatments. One option is dry needling, a technique used by certified practitioners like a licensed physical therapist or other qualified health care professional. The certified practitioner inserts thin, sterile needles into specific areas of the muscles, particularly those that are tight or knotted. These spots are also called trigger points, and they can be associated with pain.
How can dry needling help migraines?
Dry needling can be helpful for migraines in several ways, including:
- Relaxing tight muscles — Dry needling can help relax the tight muscles in your head, neck and upper back — muscles that can become tense due to stress, bad posture or even dehydration. Tension can contribute to migraine pain. By helping to loosen muscles, dry needling may reduce the intensity of your migraines.
- Interrupting pain signals — Trigger points can cause localized or referred pain. Referred pain is pain that is felt in one part of the body but is caused by a problem in another part. Pain in your head from migraines can be referred pain caused by tight or knotted muscles in your neck and upper back. Dry needling can help deactivate these trigger points, interrupt pain signals and provide pain relief.
- Boosting circulation — Dry needling can boost blood flow in targeted areas. This increased blood flow can help flush out internal issues that are contributing to pain and inflammation. Improved circulation can also help promote healing and reduce stiff muscles.
- Targeting nerve activity — Dry needling can help address dysfunctional nerve activity that can be associated with migraine headaches. It can help calm overactive nerves, which can decrease pain and other symptoms.
- Working well with others — Dry needling can be used alongside other physical therapy techniques or medication. An integrated approach helps tackle a migraine from multiple angles. This combined approach can address physical symptoms and potential lifestyle triggers.
Benefits of dry needling for migraines
Research suggests that dry needling can be helpful for migraines. Studies have shown benefits that can include:
- Reduced frequency — Dry needling sessions may lead you to experience fewer migraine attacks overall.
- Decreased intensity — The throbbing pain you experience from a migraine may not feel quite as severe.
- Shortened duration — Those agonizing migraine headaches could become a little less time consuming.
- Improved overall well-being — By reducing pain and tension, dry needling can help you feel better overall.
- Limited side effects — Dry needling tends to have limited side effects, which can make it a suitable treatment for those who can’t tolerate medications or are looking for a more holistic treatment.
- Reduced medication reliance — As a nonmedicated treatment, it can help manage migraine pain without the reliance on over-the-counter or prescription migraine medications.
Important considerations about dry needling
While dry needling can hold promise for migraine relief, it’s important to remember that it’s not a magic wand. It may not work for everyone, and it’s always best to discuss it with your doctor before trying any new treatment. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Find a qualified practitioner — Make sure the person performing the dry needling session is a licensed physical therapist or other qualified health care professional who is trained and certified in the technique.
- Be prepared — Dry needling may cause some side effects, like temporary soreness or achiness. However, side effects usually go away within a day or two.
- Be patient — It may take a few sessions for you to see the full benefits of dry needling.
If you experience migraines, keeping a headache journal can be a valuable tool. By tracking your triggers, you can identify patterns and avoid them whenever possible. This can help you manage your migraines more effectively. It’s important to discuss your individual triggers with your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan that may include techniques like dry needling to help you find relief.
Dry needling at REPAIR SI can help you retake control of your life from migraine pain
At REPAIR SI, we understand the frustrations living with migraines can bring. Our team of licensed physical therapists includes certified dry needling practitioners. We can assess your unique situation and determine if dry needling could be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan. When part of a comprehensive migraine management strategy, dry needling can help you step toward finding the relief you deserve.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.