According to the Center for Disease Control ,15.3% of people over the age of 18 years old in the United States report having a migraine within the previous 3 months. They are considered one of the main reasons for disability worldwide. Migraines are a neurological disease with symptoms which include: debilitating throbbing headaches, nausea, visual effects like aura, sensitivity to light and/or sound, and vomiting (Mayo Clinic). Some people have episodic headaches which means they experience them less than 15 days a month. Chronic sufferers unfortunately experience more than 15 days of headaches a month.

This condition can be isolating and often misunderstood by others largely due to the fact that outwardly the person with the migraine appears healthy and the symptoms are not visible to others. The triggers that cause migraines vary from person to person and it can be hard to pinpoint what they might be. (For more detailed information on common triggers, follow this link to the American Migraine Foundation.)

From a Chinese medical perspective migraine disorders usually involve treatment of the Liver and Spleen meridians. When the Liver Yang is overactive, or the Liver Yin is to deficient to subdue the Yang, it rises to the head, obstructing and interfering with the sensory orifices. This is what causes the sensitivity of light and sound as well as the visual aura and pain in the head. The Liver Yang also overacts on the Stomach and Spleen, causing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Treatment focuses on reducing the Liver Yang, nourishing the Liver Yin, and supporting the function of the Spleen and Stomach. In addition, lifestyle recommendations can be made to the client to help identify triggers and support the prevention of attacks.

​There is no cure for migraines but acupuncture is an effective help to reduce the number of episodes and improve the quality of life for the individual.

Tight hips? If you have them they can lead to lower back pain and sometimes knee pain as well. Try some simply massage and Pilates tips to help get your pelvis back on track.  Make sure you are stretching the outside of your legs, also known as your IT band.  This band of connective tissue provides the hip and knee stability and becomes tight when ever it is overused.  This over use could be from working out a lot, or imbalances in your upper leg muscles that the IT band might be compensating for.  You can simply stretch it or use a foam roller to "roll" to out. Remember to also stretch your hip and leg muscles to help keep everything in balance and flexible after your workouts. If you would like more information about how to stretch or strengthen these areas to help with hip or lower back pain visit our Contact Us page and email us or give me a call at 720-297-2622. 

it's true.  For example, if you feel pain in your upper back and/or neck the real problem may be originating from your chest and the front of your neck.  Ideally the skeletal system should hold up the human form, at least when we have proper posture.  For most of us however, this is not the case.  As we get older most of us have a head that is moved slightly forward of center, due to years of working at a desk, driving a car, holding babies etc.  The human head is on average 12 to 16 pounds, which is a bit of weight.  When the head shifts forward the skeletal system needs a little help holding it up and the body recruits the muscles in the back of the neck and the upper back.  Over time these muscles become tight and "knot " up.  This restricts blood flow from going in and out of the tissue. As a result very little new oxygen gets in and toxins aren't moving out very well.  Basically creating discomfort and over time pain.  So although it feels great when the upper back and neck is worked directly (which is part of treatment to encourage circulation to the area) the front of the body should also be addressed.  Opening up the front of the neck, chest and often even the hip flexors can provide a lot of relief for the affected area.  In addition stretches for the front as well as strengthening the back with extension exercises will help maintain a better posture and provide the client with relief for longer periods of time between massages.  A great way to improve your posture, not just for your upper back but also for all areas of the body including the low back is establishing a Pilates practice.  To learn more or start your journey to a whole new body call me and together we will get you started 720-297-2622.

*This blog only addresses one possible cause for upper back and neck pain.  It is always a good idea to consult a doctor particularly if your pain does not get better with massage, stretching, and exercise.