Many people are suffering from headaches that are caused by problems in the spine. Tight muscles in the neck can cause referred pain into the head. Tight neck muscles can also put pressure on the blood supply to the head. The body has to increase the blood pressure to allow enough blood supply to pass through the tight neck and into the delicate structures inside the head.
That chronic increase in blood pressure will damage the small blood vessels throughout the body. Patients are prescribed anti-hypertensive medications to force the blood pressure back down.
Medication Side Effects Often Overlooked in Headache Cases
These medicines have side effects such as:
- Lightheadedness and/or dizziness
- Headaches
- Vomiting and/or a nauseated feeling
- Anxiety
- Fluctuation in weight—either up or down
- Rash on the skin
- Lethargy, fatigue, weakness, sleepiness and/or drowsiness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Racing heart
- Pain and/or discomfort in the chest
- Flu-like symptoms
The Vagus Nerve, Relaxation Response, and Headache Triggers
Besides putting pressure on the blood vessels, tight muscle in the neck can irritate the major parasympathetic nerve of the body. This nerve is called the Vagus Nerve and is responsible for the relaxation response.
Extensive research has been done on the relaxation response, and it is known to offer the following benefits:
- Lowers stress hormones
- Increases arousal from the drowsy state
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps in relieving pain
- Increases motivation and productivity
- Improves decision making
- Helps in curing sleep disorders
Why Managing Stress May Help Prevent Headaches Long-Term
When the nerve for the relaxation response is compromised, the person can become Sympathetic Dominant. Symptoms include:
- Inability to relax
- Racing thoughts or fretting
- Inability to sleep well
- Poor digestion
- Chronic fatigue
- Lowered immune system
- Increased pain
The heart will beat faster, and the blood pressure will increase.
In modern society, the more we can contain the sympathetic reaction and induce the relaxation response, the better our health will be—including fewer headaches, improved focus, and more stable cardiovascular health.