Good News!
Stop Headaches Naturally
Revised and Updated
Please see details below…
Book Reviews
"Exceptional and comprehensive book."
Dr Jason D. Winnett (Surgeon)
Winnett Specialist Group
"A New Approach to Headache and Migraine is an exceptional and comprehensive body of work, the 'brain child' of Pablo Tymoszuk, whose passion in life has been to educate, treat and preferentially prevent headaches and migraines in our population.
The book is a beautiful balance of text and illustrations, based on decades of medical and applied health research, along with years of his own first hand experience to guide everyone from the layperson to medical professionals who deal with headaches and migraines.
Pablo is to be complimented and congratulated, on his tireless pursuit of preventing and improving the lives of patients with these debilitating conditions which are so prevalent in our wider community and effect peoples ability to work, exercise, socialise, play sport and effect their mental health.
I am both delighted and honoured to strongly commend A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to both medical professionals and patients alike."
- Dr Jason D. Winnett
The book is a beautiful balance of text and illustrations, based on decades of medical and applied health research, along with years of his own first hand experience to guide everyone from the layperson to medical professionals who deal with headaches and migraines.
Pablo is to be complimented and congratulated, on his tireless pursuit of preventing and improving the lives of patients with these debilitating conditions which are so prevalent in our wider community and effect peoples ability to work, exercise, socialise, play sport and effect their mental health.
I am both delighted and honoured to strongly commend A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to both medical professionals and patients alike."
- Dr Jason D. Winnett
"Well researched, holistic overview."
Dr Angela Webb (Surgeon)
Peter MacCullum Hospital
"This book is a holistic overview of all elements of life that impact on headaches and their management. It is a passionate and comprehensive discussion of what can be done to reduce and prevent headaches in an integrated way for the long term.
The explanations are well researched and the suggested remedies practical and achievable. Written in a very clear style, it is an enjoyable read with some excellent take home messages for all people, not just the many who are plagued by debilitating headaches."
- Dr Angela Webb
The explanations are well researched and the suggested remedies practical and achievable. Written in a very clear style, it is an enjoyable read with some excellent take home messages for all people, not just the many who are plagued by debilitating headaches."
- Dr Angela Webb
"Clear simple language."
Eve Persak (Nutritional Counselor, Speaker and Writer)
COMO Group - Nutrition Advisor
"I couldn’t be more excited by the release of this book. The public is literally hungry for credible, understandable information on the many causes of headaches, as well as actionable, sustainable solutions for symptoms reversal and reduction - without medication.
Impressively, Pablo manages to explain formal and somewhat complex scientific research for the reader using clear, simple language. He seems to leave nothing out - acknowledging and answering nearly all of the hallmark questions that arise for sufferers. However, importantly, he does so in natural, logical, easy-to-follow progression, that allows the reader to build upon their learning with each section of the book.
I’m impressed at how well he’s translated his physical, tangible skills into the written word. The comprehensiveness of this book is a nod to the depth and breadth of his expertise and an example of his integrated, holistic approach to care — communicating the importance of bio-mechanical, physiological variables and more behavioral, external considerations, alike.
As a dietitian, I concur whole-heartedly with the nutritional thoughts Pablo offers to readers. I’m also eager to recommend this book as an educational resource and reference tool to my clients - many of whom suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and require support with both preventing pain crises and offsetting the untoward side-effects of long-term reliance on medications. Thank you and well done, Pablo."
- Eve Persak
Impressively, Pablo manages to explain formal and somewhat complex scientific research for the reader using clear, simple language. He seems to leave nothing out - acknowledging and answering nearly all of the hallmark questions that arise for sufferers. However, importantly, he does so in natural, logical, easy-to-follow progression, that allows the reader to build upon their learning with each section of the book.
I’m impressed at how well he’s translated his physical, tangible skills into the written word. The comprehensiveness of this book is a nod to the depth and breadth of his expertise and an example of his integrated, holistic approach to care — communicating the importance of bio-mechanical, physiological variables and more behavioral, external considerations, alike.
As a dietitian, I concur whole-heartedly with the nutritional thoughts Pablo offers to readers. I’m also eager to recommend this book as an educational resource and reference tool to my clients - many of whom suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and require support with both preventing pain crises and offsetting the untoward side-effects of long-term reliance on medications. Thank you and well done, Pablo."
- Eve Persak
"An invaluable resource."
Jacqui Louder (Psychologist)
Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre
"Within my daily psychology practice I have many clients who suffer mild to significantly debilitating headaches. As a psychologist we cannot prescribe medication, leaving us the often difficult task of finding alternative and natural strategies and solutions to assist clients in managing a variety of conditions. A New Approach to Headache and Migraine has proven an invaluable resource to both educate and assist clients in better understanding the individual nature of their headaches, identifying their triggers, and feeling empowered to naturally manage their symptoms and outcomes.
A New Approach to Headache and Migraine addresses some of the most common sense and often ignored issues when it comes to self-management. I have utilised the headache diary heavily for my clients, and found it easier to lead them in the direction of non-drug management through better and more appropriate education offered in this book.
In a society where medication is often the instinctual remedy, this book allows sufferers to recognise more long term and healthier management options. It educates them on the long term impacts of medication as a form of management, and assists them to feel empowered and in control of their life.
As a professional I have found this resource enormously helpful and user friendly, and found my clients engage well in discussing the information presented. I have no hesitation in recommending A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to anyone who suffers regular headaches and is looking for a better natural lifestyle management approach."
- Jacqui Louder
A New Approach to Headache and Migraine addresses some of the most common sense and often ignored issues when it comes to self-management. I have utilised the headache diary heavily for my clients, and found it easier to lead them in the direction of non-drug management through better and more appropriate education offered in this book.
In a society where medication is often the instinctual remedy, this book allows sufferers to recognise more long term and healthier management options. It educates them on the long term impacts of medication as a form of management, and assists them to feel empowered and in control of their life.
As a professional I have found this resource enormously helpful and user friendly, and found my clients engage well in discussing the information presented. I have no hesitation in recommending A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to anyone who suffers regular headaches and is looking for a better natural lifestyle management approach."
- Jacqui Louder
"Overcome headaches forever."
Mukti (Mukti Orgnanic Skincare)
Author of Truth in Beauty
"When it comes to headaches, there’s a tendency to look towards a quick fix in the form of a pill. As with most ill health and health related issues this does not address the cause. It only temporarily alleviates the symptom.
When it comes to advice from an industry expert with over 23 years experience in the field of remedial therapies, Pablo is the voice of authority. All his years of working with the body and various modalities have uncovered the many tools and solutions that you can now empower yourself with to overcome headaches forever. A New Approach to Headache and Migraine is a comprehensive resource to assist you with looking a little deeper and taking corrective action to alleviate pain and take back control once and for all."
- Mukti
When it comes to advice from an industry expert with over 23 years experience in the field of remedial therapies, Pablo is the voice of authority. All his years of working with the body and various modalities have uncovered the many tools and solutions that you can now empower yourself with to overcome headaches forever. A New Approach to Headache and Migraine is a comprehensive resource to assist you with looking a little deeper and taking corrective action to alleviate pain and take back control once and for all."
- Mukti
"Encouraged me to think very differently."
Karina Wilkie PhD (Monash University)
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education
"Pablo’s book A New Approach to Headache and Migraine has encouraged me to think very differently about my headaches and what to do about them. In the past, once a headache passed my ‘coping’ threshold, I would reach by default for painkillers, thinking they were my only option. I have now been equipped with much more comprehensive knowledge for understanding, preventing, and managing headaches. The book is not only packed with detailed yet easy-to-read medical and practical information, but I have found I can apply it straightaway to my daily life.
In the book Pablo explains his integrated headache model and I found it really helpful for visualising how three key factors – musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and emotional – play a role across the spectrum of tension headaches and different types of migraine. I learnt about how referred pain from muscular trigger points in various parts of the body contributes to headaches, and about how this can be treated with relative ease.
Pablo has also included in his book a user-friendly set of printable worksheets as a great diagnostic and treatment tool. I have learnt to identify my own types and pattern of headaches, the likely ‘culprits’ in my own life that are likely to lead to headaches, and my own early warning signs.
I have been introduced to a whole host of strategies for preventing and managing headaches, including self-massage, stretching, posture, diet, breathing, and manual therapy. Over time, my headaches have decreased in frequency, and I am much less likely to reach for painkillers now that I have been educated about the longer-term consequences of over reliance on them.
I have found that A New Approach to Headache and Migraine suits both cover-to-cover reading for in-depth learning and in-and-out dipping for reference as needed. I think this one is a keeper!"
- Karina Wilkie
In the book Pablo explains his integrated headache model and I found it really helpful for visualising how three key factors – musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and emotional – play a role across the spectrum of tension headaches and different types of migraine. I learnt about how referred pain from muscular trigger points in various parts of the body contributes to headaches, and about how this can be treated with relative ease.
Pablo has also included in his book a user-friendly set of printable worksheets as a great diagnostic and treatment tool. I have learnt to identify my own types and pattern of headaches, the likely ‘culprits’ in my own life that are likely to lead to headaches, and my own early warning signs.
I have been introduced to a whole host of strategies for preventing and managing headaches, including self-massage, stretching, posture, diet, breathing, and manual therapy. Over time, my headaches have decreased in frequency, and I am much less likely to reach for painkillers now that I have been educated about the longer-term consequences of over reliance on them.
I have found that A New Approach to Headache and Migraine suits both cover-to-cover reading for in-depth learning and in-and-out dipping for reference as needed. I think this one is a keeper!"
- Karina Wilkie
"For the layperson to medical professional."
Dr Jason D. Winnett (Surgeon)
Winnett Specialist Group
"A New Approach to Headache and Migraine is an exceptional and comprehensive body of work, the 'brain child' of Pablo Tymoszuk, whose passion in life has been to educate, treat and preferentially prevent headaches and migraines in our population.
The book is a beautiful balance of text and illustrations, based on decades of medical and applied health research, along with years of his own first hand experience to guide everyone from the layperson to medical professionals who deal with headaches and migraines.
Pablo is to be complimented and congratulated, on his tireless pursuit of preventing and improving the lives of patients with these debilitating conditions which are so prevalent in our wider community and effect peoples ability to work, exercise, socialise, play sport and effect their mental health.
I am both delighted and honoured to strongly commend A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to both medical professionals and patients alike."
- Dr Jason D. Winnett
The book is a beautiful balance of text and illustrations, based on decades of medical and applied health research, along with years of his own first hand experience to guide everyone from the layperson to medical professionals who deal with headaches and migraines.
Pablo is to be complimented and congratulated, on his tireless pursuit of preventing and improving the lives of patients with these debilitating conditions which are so prevalent in our wider community and effect peoples ability to work, exercise, socialise, play sport and effect their mental health.
I am both delighted and honoured to strongly commend A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to both medical professionals and patients alike."
- Dr Jason D. Winnett
"Passionate and comprehensive."
Dr Angela Webb (Surgeon)
Peter MacCullum Hospital
"This book is a holistic overview of all elements of life that impact on headaches and their management. It is a passionate and comprehensive discussion of what can be done to reduce and prevent headaches in an integrated way for the long term.
The explanations are well researched and the suggested remedies practical and achievable. Written in a very clear style, it is an enjoyable read with some excellent take home messages for all people, not just the many who are plagued by debilitating headaches."
- Dr Angela Webb
The explanations are well researched and the suggested remedies practical and achievable. Written in a very clear style, it is an enjoyable read with some excellent take home messages for all people, not just the many who are plagued by debilitating headaches."
- Dr Angela Webb
"Eager to recommend this book."
Eve Persak (Nutritional Counselor, Speaker and Writer)
COMO Group - Nutrition Advisor
"I couldn’t be more excited by the release of this book. The public is literally hungry for credible, understandable information on the many causes of headaches, as well as actionable, sustainable solutions for symptoms reversal and reduction - without medication.
Impressively, Pablo manages to explain formal and somewhat complex scientific research for the reader using clear, simple language. He seems to leave nothing out - acknowledging and answering nearly all of the hallmark questions that arise for sufferers. However, importantly, he does so in natural, logical, easy-to-follow progression, that allows the reader to build upon their learning with each section of the book.
I’m impressed at how well he’s translated his physical, tangible skills into the written word. The comprehensiveness of this book is a nod to the depth and breadth of his expertise and an example of his integrated, holistic approach to care — communicating the importance of bio-mechanical, physiological variables and more behavioral, external considerations, alike.
As a dietitian, I concur whole-heartedly with the nutritional thoughts Pablo offers to readers. I’m also eager to recommend this book as an educational resource and reference tool to my clients - many of whom suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and require support with both preventing pain crises and offsetting the untoward side-effects of long-term reliance on medications. Thank you and well done, Pablo."
- Eve Persak
Impressively, Pablo manages to explain formal and somewhat complex scientific research for the reader using clear, simple language. He seems to leave nothing out - acknowledging and answering nearly all of the hallmark questions that arise for sufferers. However, importantly, he does so in natural, logical, easy-to-follow progression, that allows the reader to build upon their learning with each section of the book.
I’m impressed at how well he’s translated his physical, tangible skills into the written word. The comprehensiveness of this book is a nod to the depth and breadth of his expertise and an example of his integrated, holistic approach to care — communicating the importance of bio-mechanical, physiological variables and more behavioral, external considerations, alike.
As a dietitian, I concur whole-heartedly with the nutritional thoughts Pablo offers to readers. I’m also eager to recommend this book as an educational resource and reference tool to my clients - many of whom suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and require support with both preventing pain crises and offsetting the untoward side-effects of long-term reliance on medications. Thank you and well done, Pablo."
- Eve Persak
"Feel empowered and in control."
Jacqui Louder (Psychologist)
Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre
"Within my daily psychology practice I have many clients who suffer mild to significantly debilitating headaches. As a psychologist we cannot prescribe medication, leaving us the often difficult task of finding alternative and natural strategies and solutions to assist clients in managing a variety of conditions. A New Approach to Headache and Migraine has proven an invaluable resource to both educate and assist clients in better understanding the individual nature of their headaches, identifying their triggers, and feeling empowered to naturally manage their symptoms and outcomes.
A New Approach to Headache and Migraine addresses some of the most common sense and often ignored issues when it comes to self-management. I have utilised the headache diary heavily for my clients, and found it easier to lead them in the direction of non-drug management through better and more appropriate education offered in this book.
In a society where medication is often the instinctual remedy, this book allows sufferers to recognise more long term and healthier management options. It educates them on the long term impacts of medication as a form of management, and assists them to feel empowered and in control of their life.
As a professional I have found this resource enormously helpful and user friendly, and found my clients engage well in discussing the information presented. I have no hesitation in recommending A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to anyone who suffers regular headaches and is looking for a better natural lifestyle management approach."
- Jacqui Louder
A New Approach to Headache and Migraine addresses some of the most common sense and often ignored issues when it comes to self-management. I have utilised the headache diary heavily for my clients, and found it easier to lead them in the direction of non-drug management through better and more appropriate education offered in this book.
In a society where medication is often the instinctual remedy, this book allows sufferers to recognise more long term and healthier management options. It educates them on the long term impacts of medication as a form of management, and assists them to feel empowered and in control of their life.
As a professional I have found this resource enormously helpful and user friendly, and found my clients engage well in discussing the information presented. I have no hesitation in recommending A New Approach to Headache and Migraine to anyone who suffers regular headaches and is looking for a better natural lifestyle management approach."
- Jacqui Louder
"The voice of authority. "
Mukti (Mukti Orgnanic Skincare)
Author of Truth in Beauty
"When it comes to headaches, there’s a tendency to look towards a quick fix in the form of a pill. As with most ill health and health related issues this does not address the cause. It only temporarily alleviates the symptom.
When it comes to advice from an industry expert with over 23 years experience in the field of remedial therapies, Pablo is the voice of authority. All his years of working with the body and various modalities have uncovered the many tools and solutions that you can now empower yourself with to overcome headaches forever. A New Approach to Headache and Migraine is a comprehensive resource to assist you with looking a little deeper and taking corrective action to alleviate pain and take back control once and for all."
- Mukti
When it comes to advice from an industry expert with over 23 years experience in the field of remedial therapies, Pablo is the voice of authority. All his years of working with the body and various modalities have uncovered the many tools and solutions that you can now empower yourself with to overcome headaches forever. A New Approach to Headache and Migraine is a comprehensive resource to assist you with looking a little deeper and taking corrective action to alleviate pain and take back control once and for all."
- Mukti
About Book
This book is aimed to educate and empower headache and migraine sufferers to treat the cause of their pain and provide healthy alternatives for pain relief.
If you suffer from chronic headache or migraine, you know that headaches can rule your daily life as you try to avoid triggers, cope with pain, manage unexpected attacks and spend hours trying different cures and searching for an answer. You've had all the scans, taken all the tests, but still don't have a definitive answer as to why you are constantly dealing with frequent, severe headache pain; Without an answer, the medical profession often ends up treating the symptoms, with, the long-term use of medication, which can end up making your headaches worse and often come with a range of dangerous side effects.
This book examines many of the current popular practices and theories around headache pain management and provides an easy-to-understand model to assess, treat and manage headaches without the need for medication or painkillers. You'll learn simple, effective lifestyle changes that can make a profound difference to the frequency and severity of your headaches, and improve your overall health.
Pablo Tymoszuk shares his insights on the value of identifying diet and environmental triggers, what nausea and aura might be trying to tell you, the impact of hormones, the types of manual therapy you should consider for headache pain, why trigger points are so important, the effectiveness of Botox, the difference between acupuncture and dry needling, and much more.
Unlock the power of a headache-free future and greater wellness with this book - A New Approach to Headache and Migraine.
If you suffer from chronic headache or migraine, you know that headaches can rule your daily life as you try to avoid triggers, cope with pain, manage unexpected attacks and spend hours trying different cures and searching for an answer. You've had all the scans, taken all the tests, but still don't have a definitive answer as to why you are constantly dealing with frequent, severe headache pain; Without an answer, the medical profession often ends up treating the symptoms, with, the long-term use of medication, which can end up making your headaches worse and often come with a range of dangerous side effects.
This book examines many of the current popular practices and theories around headache pain management and provides an easy-to-understand model to assess, treat and manage headaches without the need for medication or painkillers. You'll learn simple, effective lifestyle changes that can make a profound difference to the frequency and severity of your headaches, and improve your overall health.
Pablo Tymoszuk shares his insights on the value of identifying diet and environmental triggers, what nausea and aura might be trying to tell you, the impact of hormones, the types of manual therapy you should consider for headache pain, why trigger points are so important, the effectiveness of Botox, the difference between acupuncture and dry needling, and much more.
Unlock the power of a headache-free future and greater wellness with this book - A New Approach to Headache and Migraine.
About Author
Pablo Tymoszuk RMT
Pablo Tymoszuk has been driven by one consuming passion during his more than 28 years working as a soft tissue therapist – to empower his patients to manage and conquer their pain.
A natural educator, Pablo has always sought to work closely with his patients, embarking on a journey with them to find the most practical, long-lasting solutions for their pain, and is known for communicating his professional knowledge and insights with clarity…
A natural educator, Pablo has always sought to work closely with his patients, embarking on a journey with them to find the most practical, long-lasting solutions for their pain, and is known for communicating his professional knowledge and insights with clarity…
Pablo Tymoszuk has been driven by one consuming passion during his more than 28 years working as a soft tissue therapist – to empower his patients to manage and conquer their pain.
A natural educator, Pablo has always sought to work closely with his patients, embarking on a journey with them to find the most practical, long-lasting solutions for their pain, and is known for communicating his professional knowledge and insights with clarity and impact.
His tireless pursuit to improve the lives of patients with debilitating conditions has led him to investigate the efficacy of a wide range of drug-free methods and strategies, from which he has built a comprehensive, integrated holistic approach to professional treatment and self-care that has transformed the lives of so many of his patients.
His first book, A New Approach to Headache and Migraine, is representative of his generous, thoughtful and considered approach to treatment. In this book, Pablo offers his unique insights into pain management, his years of research and experience and the practical application of his proven strategies with a clarity that makes his approach readily accessible to medical professionals and laypeople.
Professionally, Pablo has specialized in remedial, sports, myofascial and trigger point release techniques. For 15 years, he worked extensively with elite sporting clubs, including the Collingwood Football Club, Richmond Football Club and Australian Cricket Team. Pablo was also fortunate to gain 19 years of invaluable experience treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre.
He currently works from his own clinic in Port Melbourne whilst also providing ergonomic consultations and presentations in the workplace, delivering presentations about headache and migraine pain and consulting at numerous wellness retreats in Asia.
A natural educator, Pablo has always sought to work closely with his patients, embarking on a journey with them to find the most practical, long-lasting solutions for their pain, and is known for communicating his professional knowledge and insights with clarity and impact.
His tireless pursuit to improve the lives of patients with debilitating conditions has led him to investigate the efficacy of a wide range of drug-free methods and strategies, from which he has built a comprehensive, integrated holistic approach to professional treatment and self-care that has transformed the lives of so many of his patients.
His first book, A New Approach to Headache and Migraine, is representative of his generous, thoughtful and considered approach to treatment. In this book, Pablo offers his unique insights into pain management, his years of research and experience and the practical application of his proven strategies with a clarity that makes his approach readily accessible to medical professionals and laypeople.
Professionally, Pablo has specialized in remedial, sports, myofascial and trigger point release techniques. For 15 years, he worked extensively with elite sporting clubs, including the Collingwood Football Club, Richmond Football Club and Australian Cricket Team. Pablo was also fortunate to gain 19 years of invaluable experience treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre.
He currently works from his own clinic in Port Melbourne whilst also providing ergonomic consultations and presentations in the workplace, delivering presentations about headache and migraine pain and consulting at numerous wellness retreats in Asia.
More Book Reviews
"A definitive resource for the sufferers of chronic headaches and migraines, easy to navigate, uses clear language"
Tara Doherty (Integrative Nutritionist)
"Thorough, well written, clear and concise - should be a read for every student and practitioner."
Dr Glen Bales (Osteopath)
"The beauty of this book is that action can be taken, not medication."
Peter Rudd
"Takes the reader through step by step to help them understand and identify aggravating factors."
Anne Harry RMT
"Highly valuable information with a pro-active awareness and educative approach."
Helen L. Alexander
"Comprehensive book covering this debilitating condition, providing lots of guidance and solutions."
Patricia Bernard
Book Foreward
For over 24 years I’ve listened as patients and friends told me about their headache pain and how it was stopping them living a normal life. Many were spending in excess of $1000 per year on medications, doctors visits and other treatments.
These treatments even extended to receiving regular intravenous infusion of a veterinary anaesthetic as an in-patient at a specialist pain clinic.
However, in spite of all this effort and expenditure on medications, any relief of pain that my patients and friends managed to achieve was short-lived.
Most worried that the constant intake of drugs would harm their body and health. Some, particularly those who had been diagnosed with migraine, resigned…
These treatments even extended to receiving regular intravenous infusion of a veterinary anaesthetic as an in-patient at a specialist pain clinic.
However, in spite of all this effort and expenditure on medications, any relief of pain that my patients and friends managed to achieve was short-lived.
Most worried that the constant intake of drugs would harm their body and health. Some, particularly those who had been diagnosed with migraine, resigned…
For over 24 years I’ve listened as patients and friends told me about their headache pain and how it was stopping them living a normal life. Many were spending in excess of $1000 per year on medications, doctors visits and other treatments.
These treatments even extended to receiving regular intravenous infusion of a veterinary anaesthetic as an in-patient at a specialist pain clinic.
However, in spite of all this effort and expenditure on medications, any relief of pain that my patients and friends managed to achieve was short-lived.
Most worried that the constant intake of drugs would harm their body and health. Some, particularly those who had been diagnosed with migraine, resigned themselves to the idea that they would have to live with their headache pain for the rest of their lives.
As a remedial massage therapist, I have successfully treated patients’ headache pain by manual therapy, by releasing tight neck and jaw muscles and by making stiff neck joints more mobile.
These tight areas are generally the result of factors such as poor posture and excessive sitting, together with stress and tension. Even patients almost disabled by severe migraine pain have experienced considerable relief after just a few sessions. The methods I use are a well-established part of treating musculoskeletal pain anywhere in the body – there is nothing secret about them.
A major part of my work is the treatment of muscular trigger points, which are hard, pressure sensitive knots that form in tight muscles. Muscular trigger points can produce what is called referred pain. This is pain that is not felt where it originates but seems instead to come from somewhere else. The pain produced by trigger points in certain muscles of the neck and jaw feels as if it is coming from the head.
Trigger points can also cause symptoms which we would not expect had anything to do with muscles. For example, trigger points in one of the powerful muscles in the front of the neck can cause nausea and visual disturbance – symptoms that plague migraine sufferers.
I am fortunate in that the doctors where I work recognise the important contribution that muscular trigger points make to pain in general, and to headache pain in particular. However, I have found that this is not very common.
Based on what I hear from my patients, most doctors, even those in specialist pain clinics, tend to pay little or no attention to muscular trigger points. Many either don’t seem to know about them, or are not convinced that they actually exist. Treatment typically revolves around monitoring patients’ response to medications, especially ever-more powerful pain-killers.
However headache treatment and prevention is not just about manual therapy. I see it as part of my professional role to discuss the importance of a healthy lifestyle with my patients. Some of the factors I consider are exercise, posture, diet, sleep and stress levels. Correcting factors such as these can prevent headaches recurring in the future, or at the very least reduce their frequency.
I too used to suffer from headaches. After spending a lot of time looking into the many ways available for treating headache pain without drugs, I found some that work for me. Since I learnt to recognise the signs in my own body and put these strategies into practice, headaches are a thing of the past. Sometimes it is as simple as stretching or drinking more water.
So as I heard my patients’ stories of expensive and failed attempts to be rid of headaches with medications, I came to realise that many people need a natural solution to headache pain. I wanted to pass on what I had found out. This book is the result of my experience and research.
These treatments even extended to receiving regular intravenous infusion of a veterinary anaesthetic as an in-patient at a specialist pain clinic.
However, in spite of all this effort and expenditure on medications, any relief of pain that my patients and friends managed to achieve was short-lived.
Most worried that the constant intake of drugs would harm their body and health. Some, particularly those who had been diagnosed with migraine, resigned themselves to the idea that they would have to live with their headache pain for the rest of their lives.
As a remedial massage therapist, I have successfully treated patients’ headache pain by manual therapy, by releasing tight neck and jaw muscles and by making stiff neck joints more mobile.
These tight areas are generally the result of factors such as poor posture and excessive sitting, together with stress and tension. Even patients almost disabled by severe migraine pain have experienced considerable relief after just a few sessions. The methods I use are a well-established part of treating musculoskeletal pain anywhere in the body – there is nothing secret about them.
A major part of my work is the treatment of muscular trigger points, which are hard, pressure sensitive knots that form in tight muscles. Muscular trigger points can produce what is called referred pain. This is pain that is not felt where it originates but seems instead to come from somewhere else. The pain produced by trigger points in certain muscles of the neck and jaw feels as if it is coming from the head.
Trigger points can also cause symptoms which we would not expect had anything to do with muscles. For example, trigger points in one of the powerful muscles in the front of the neck can cause nausea and visual disturbance – symptoms that plague migraine sufferers.
I am fortunate in that the doctors where I work recognise the important contribution that muscular trigger points make to pain in general, and to headache pain in particular. However, I have found that this is not very common.
Based on what I hear from my patients, most doctors, even those in specialist pain clinics, tend to pay little or no attention to muscular trigger points. Many either don’t seem to know about them, or are not convinced that they actually exist. Treatment typically revolves around monitoring patients’ response to medications, especially ever-more powerful pain-killers.
However headache treatment and prevention is not just about manual therapy. I see it as part of my professional role to discuss the importance of a healthy lifestyle with my patients. Some of the factors I consider are exercise, posture, diet, sleep and stress levels. Correcting factors such as these can prevent headaches recurring in the future, or at the very least reduce their frequency.
I too used to suffer from headaches. After spending a lot of time looking into the many ways available for treating headache pain without drugs, I found some that work for me. Since I learnt to recognise the signs in my own body and put these strategies into practice, headaches are a thing of the past. Sometimes it is as simple as stretching or drinking more water.
So as I heard my patients’ stories of expensive and failed attempts to be rid of headaches with medications, I came to realise that many people need a natural solution to headache pain. I wanted to pass on what I had found out. This book is the result of my experience and research.
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