FINDING RELIEF FROM CHRONIC MIGRAINES

FINDING RELIEF FROM CHRONIC MIGRAINES

For the last five years, I have been dealing with migraine headaches. At first they were few and far between, but progressively they’ve gotten worse. These migraines started to interfere with my travel, making most of my work trips/vacations a real struggle. My turning point was last February on a trip with some fellow bloggers. My migraine was one of the worst I’d ever experienced, and consequently I got sick in front of everyone. The embarrassment was awful! I realized then, I needed to get serious and seek some help.

While on my trip I contacted a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). This was someone my husband knew, and it seemed like a good start. I made my appointment, but honestly was skeptic that he would be able to provide any relief. I had already tried botox, electrolytes, more sleep, less sugar, etc. To my surprise after one visit, I could feel they were easing up some. He focused on body alignment, and applied pressure to specific points to release tight muscles. It seemed way too simple to be effective. Although each of my three visits brought noticeable change, the travel time getting to him was very difficult. He lives 4 hours away, and wanted to treat me every week for about 12 consecutive weeks.

While looking for more accessible help, I decided to follow a recommendation from my hairstylist. I visited a local massage therapist here in St. George. When I discovered that she practiced FASCIA RELEASE, I immediately knew that she would have something additional to offer. Her expertise has added tremendous positive results.

During my first session, she remarked on my body’s unique responsiveness, experiencing three releases in my neck…. which was rare for her on the first visit. Through my fairly regular appointments, she has not only taught me crucial lessons about what my body is doing and why, but also helped me realize that I habitually held my head and shoulders in a tense-like position, always being in that ‘fight or flight’ mode. Whether it was driving, working at my desk, I even one day noticed I was doing it while on the elliptical trainer, I am SO TIGHT!

Both my DO doctor and massage therapist have educated me on the importance of relaxation and taught me effective stretches and breathing to alleviate tension. Thanks to their guidance and techniques, my migraine frequency has reduced dramatically. I’ve gone from two or three a week, to now maybe one every two or three weeks. I can usually fend that one off with stretching, good posture, and breathing. Inhale four, hold four, exhale four, and hold four.

INFORMATION FROM MY MASSAGE THERAPIST

In her words…. During Myofascial release therapy, the therapist applies light pressure by hand to find Myofascial (connective tissue surrounding muscles) areas that feel stiff, instead of elastic and movable. These stiff areas, or trigger points, limit muscle and joint movements. When the connective tissue around muscles is tight, it leads to widespread muscle pain.

Interestingly, Myofascial tightness can be caused by past or current trauma. Ready for some science that might explain your pain? Fascia is the body’s largest sensory organ, containing millions of nerve endings and pain receptors. Fascia has six to ten times the number of pain nerve endings as muscle. The nerve endings in fascia are part of the sympathetic nervous system, and trauma activates the sympathetic nervous system. If trauma is ongoing or repeated, the sympathetic nervous can become hyperactive, leading to chronic stress and muscle pain. Simply, trauma can cause your nervous system to tighten your Myofascial tissue, leading to pain.

Working with a trauma informed massage therapist can be very helpful in releasing this pain or tension. When the person feels completely safe and relaxed the body can “release” what has been there for months or years, and sometimes even decades. Getting the nervous system out of “fight or flight” mode is essential to the body letting go of pain or trauma and being able to relax and heal. Sometimes getting the body to a relaxed state and out of “fight or flight” can be achieved easier with the help of a good massage therapist trained in trauma massage therapy.

Migraines, shoulder pain, neck pain, back pain, or any type of pain are sometimes a result of relationship trauma or other kinds of trauma, or not feeling safe, sometimes for years at a time. Massage loosens tight muscle tissues, improves circulation, and encourages a good night’s sleep. The combination of all those things can often tip the scales in the right direction toward healing. Frequent sessions of convincing the body it is safe can have a powerful effect on the mind and body, and nervous system.

CONNECTING THE PIECES TO FIND A SOLUTION

Reflecting on my 39-year marriage and the trauma associated with it, it made sense why I’ve been suffering from migraines. Consequently, chronic pain, such as migraines, often results from prolonged stress and a persistent lack of safety. Therefore, regular massage has been instrumental in alleviating this pain by loosening tight muscles, and improving circulation. Through consistent therapy, my body and mind have gradually begun to recognize a sense of safety, significantly aiding in my healing journey. Clearly, it also helps to be in a safe marriage.

FINDING RELIEF HAS BEEN A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

I still have my prescription, but my usage has decreased significantly. A year ago in Africa, I went through six tablets in one trip. Now, I’m using maybe two or three per month, and hope to eliminate them entirely. Finally, I’m hopeful and encouraged by the progress I’ve made in managing my migraines. It is such a relief knowing I have a handle on them.

I have recently discovered THIS MIGRAINE STICK that has also helped tremendously!

I can hardly describe how this experience has transformed my life! Regaining a sense of control over my migraines has been nothing short of incredible. Enjoying family gatherings, traveling, and even ordinary days without the looming threat of migraines has been a blessing. Relief from chronic migraines is within reach. While everyone’s journey is unique, I felt compelled to share what has worked for me, because it has been SO IMPACTFUL, even LIFE-CHANGING.

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Dr. Bjorn Nordstrom – 801-224-130 707 E Mill Road Suite 303 Vineyard UT 84059

Massage Therapist Diana Echohawk – 435- 817-1555

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