Headache after massage: Causes and treatment

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Massage, massage brings a lot of benefits to health, besides this therapy is also known as a treatment for headaches. However, some people may experience headaches after a massage. So what is the cause of a headache after a massage and what is the treatment?
Massage has been shown to reduce stress and increase relaxation because it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and stressors.
Massage specialists use a variety of techniques to work on muscles and soft tissues. So, after massage, you will feel your muscles become softer, especially after deep tissue massage.
Some people experience headaches after a massage and believe it is due to toxins released from muscle tissue into the bloodstream. However, there are no scientific studies on this issue. Meanwhile, some other causes that are better explained and treated, can help you prevent this condition.

1. Common causes of headaches

First, we need to know information about headaches, so that we can better understand why we experience headaches after massage. Headache is a common symptom that can range in intensity from mild to severe. It can be aching, sharp or dull pain, ...
Of many types of headaches, tension headaches are the most common and can be accompanied by neck pain. A headache after a massage is most likely one of the manifestations of a tension headache.
In general, there are several common causes of headaches as follows:
Changes in blood pressure: When blood vessels in the brain are dilated, changes in blood pressure can cause headaches. Changes in blood pressure can be caused by dehydration, hormonal changes, nervous tension, muscle tension, certain foods that affect blood pressure, temperature that is too hot or too cold, sex. too much exercise, too much exercise, too much sleep. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes are also one of the common causes of headaches. Hormonal changes can be caused by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or the use of hormone replacement medications such as birth control pills. Change in schedule, sleep less, stress: Headaches after massage are related to pressure exerted on the body, while tension headaches in general can occur when emotions and spirits are in conflict. depression, irregular diet, change in schedule, excessive exercise, sleep disturbance. Dehydrated body: Dehydration or lack of water in the body is also the cause of headaches.

2. Causes of headache after massage

Headaches after massage can be caused by some of the following reasons:
Irritants or sensitization: Some substances in the massage area can cause allergies or sensitivities to this chemical such as fragrance, perfumes, cleaning agents, bed linen cleaners, ... Dehydration: Before the massage, if the amount of water in the body is low, combined with the dehydration of the body after the massage can lead to headaches. In particular, if performing deep tissue massage can increase the likelihood of a headache after the massage. Massage too strong: Too strong massage, especially massage that affects deep tissues with great force can cause sore muscles, bruises, increased blood circulation and lead to headaches. Changes in blood pressure: Standing up after sitting or lying down for a long time can cause blood pressure to change, especially in people with low blood pressure. Some people with orthostatic hypotension may experience a headache after a massage.

3. How to handle headache after massage

Refer to the following tips to avoid headache after massage as well as how to handle it:
If you feel the massage is too strong, please notify the massage therapist. Avoid doing deep tissue massage. Tell the massage therapist how much pressure you want to apply. Replace full body massage with head and foot massage. Both before and after the massage, it is important to drink enough water. Drink more water than usual for 2 days before massage. Do not drink alcohol before the massage. Snack after the massage. After the massage, under the guidance of the doctor, you can do a number of muscle relaxation movements. After the massage is done, take a gentle bath with warm or cool water. SEE ALSO: Acupressure for headaches and headaches

4. Alternative headache treatments

If you have a headache after a massage, especially a full body massage, deep tissue massage, you can refer to other alternative therapies such as:
Acupressure: The reflexologist uses his hands to massage and press the muscles. acupoints to aid the healing process. Acupuncture: The acupuncture points on the body, if stimulated with small acupuncture needles, can bring certain benefits in healing as well as bringing a feeling of relaxation. Massage with essential oils: Massaging the head with essential oils helps the body relax more than a deep massage. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy uses cold temperatures to help the body relieve pain and reduce inflammation by applying ice directly to the body or lying in a cryotherapy bath. Facial: Facial is a facial skin care method that includes exfoliating techniques, moisturizing skin, facial massage. Foot massage: Instead of a full body massage that makes you feel a headache after the massage, foot massage will focus on the feet and legs, helping the body to relax. Head and neck massage: Tight neck muscles are also one of the common causes of headaches. Therefore, massaging the head and neck area helps to relax and loosen the muscles. Hot stone massage: Massage uses hot stones to focus on creating mild to moderate pressure, bringing a sense of relaxation. Hot Bath: Bathing in warm or hot water is known to provide relaxation and comfort as sore muscles are soothed by the heat of the hot water. Meditation: Meditation can help promote and create a feeling of peace and happiness, making it a very useful alternative to other types of headache therapy. Physical therapy: Painful or damaged muscles can be treated with physical therapy with stretching exercises. Reflexology Massage: Acupressure massage can be performed on the hands, feet or ears to help the body relax. Reiki: Reiki is a technique from Japan that, by placing your hands on your body or near you but not massaging your head or body, can infuse you with an energy to promote healing and relaxation. stretch. Sauna: Muscle soreness can be relieved by regularly taking a sauna or using a sauna. Yoga: Yoga has long been considered a therapy to help practitioners relax their mind by stretching and strengthening muscles. Headaches after massage can occur in some people with many different causes. To prevent and overcome it, it is necessary to pay attention to drinking enough water both before and after the massage. If traditional massage therapies give you a headache after a massage, you have other options to try.

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Reference source: healthline.com