Tension Headache Treatment NYC
A person with a tension headache
Imagine experiencing a constant, dull headache that seems to press around your head, often accompanied by tightness in the neck and shoulders, making it hard to concentrate at work or enjoy your day. Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, are often triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle strain.
At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach, which combines acupuncture and dry needling, is designed to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate the persistent pressure associated with tension headaches.
Overview of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are characterized by:
A steady, band-like pain around the head
Mild to moderate intensity pain that is usually bilateral
Tightness or pressure in the neck, shoulders, and scalp
Headaches that may last from a few hours to several days
They often develop due to stress, prolonged poor posture, trigger points, or muscle fatigue.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Key factors contributing to tension headaches include:
Muscle Tension:
Overactivity in the neck and scalp muscles (such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles) leads to sustained contraction and pain.
Poor Posture:
Prolonged poor posture can strain cervical muscles and contribute to headache symptoms.
Stress and Fatigue:
Physical and emotional stress increases muscle tension, exacerbating headache pain.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles may refer pain to the head.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for tension headaches typically include:
Medications:
Over-the-counter analgesics and NSAIDs to reduce pain
Stress Management:
Techniques such as relaxation exercises, biofeedback, and meditation
Physical Therapy:
Exercises to improve posture and strengthen neck muscles
Lifestyle Modifications:
Ergonomic adjustments and regular breaks during prolonged tasks
Differential Diagnosis
Tension headache symptoms can mimic conditions such as:
Migraine
Cluster headache
Cervicogenic headache
Our integrated approach combining acupuncture with dry needling is introduced as a non-invasive, first-line option to target both muscle tension and stress-related components of tension headaches.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at specific TCM points to modulate pain pathways, increase local blood flow, and reduce inflammation in the neck and head.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in overactive neck and shoulder muscles to mechanically release tension, improve muscle balance, and alleviate referred headache pain.
Summary Table:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases blood flow; reduces muscle inflammation | GB20 (Fengchi), LI4 (Hegu), local Ashi points along the cervical region |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves muscle balance; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles |
Acupuncture Points for Tension Headaches
Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, selected for their relevance to headache relief and neck muscle relaxation:
GB20 (Fengchi):
Located at the base of the skull, GB20 helps relieve neck stiffness and reduce headache pain.
LI4 (Hegu):
Found between the thumb and index finger, LI4 is renowned for its analgesic properties and ability to relieve head and neck pain.
Local Ashi Points:
Patient-specific tender points along the neck and shoulders are targeted to directly relieve localized muscle tension.
Trigger Points for Tension Headaches
We also target specific trigger points that contribute to tension headaches:
Upper Trapezius:
Trigger points in this muscle can refer pain to the head and neck.
Dry needling helps release tightness and improve posture.
Levator Scapulae:
Overactivity here contributes to neck stiffness and headache pain.
Targeted needling alleviates tension and improves mobility.
Suboccipital Muscles:
Tight suboccipital muscles can compress nerves and trigger headaches.
Releasing these points reduces deep-seated tension and associated pain.
Research & Evidence
Current research suggests that both acupuncture and dry needling may offer meaningful benefits in treating tension-type headaches, although ongoing debate remains regarding optimal protocols and the certainty of evidence.
Acupuncture Research on Tension Headaches
Recent meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials indicate acupuncture can significantly reduce headache frequency and pain intensity for patients with tension-type headache. In one notable randomized controlled trial by Zheng et al. (2022), true acupuncture led to a larger reduction in headache days compared to superficial acupuncture, with 68.2% of the true acupuncture group experiencing at least a 50% reduction in monthly headache days. Systematic reviews also suggest acupuncture may outperform standard medication for pain reduction and show durable post-treatment effects, although results show moderate to low certainty and call for further robust trials.
Dry Needling Research on Tension Headaches
Dry needling of myofascial trigger points in the neck and head shows potential for reducing headache intensity and frequency in tension-type headache patients. A recent 2024 randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant reductions in both pain scores and the number of active trigger points after dry needling treatment, alongside notable improvements in patients’ self-perceived clinical status. Systematic reviews and further clinical trials have concluded that dry needling can meaningfully improve headache frequency, trigger point tenderness, and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for tension headaches?
Dry needling targets specific trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles to mechanically release tension, while acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and improve circulation.What are the typical symptoms of tension headaches?
Common symptoms include a persistent, band-like headache, neck and shoulder stiffness, and mild to moderate pain.Can this integrated treatment help reduce headache frequency?
Yes, by addressing muscle tension and improving blood flow, our approach can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches.How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
Many patients experience noticeable improvements after several sessions, though treatment duration depends on individual factors.Is it safe to combine this treatment with stress management or physical therapy?
Absolutely. Our integrated approach is designed to complement other conservative treatments for comprehensive headache relief.What long-term benefits can I expect?
Patients often experience sustained pain relief, improved neck and shoulder function, and a reduced risk of recurrent headaches with ongoing maintenance treatments.
Ready to Take Control?
Are you ready to reduce your tension headache pain and improve your overall neck and shoulder function?
At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling addresses the root causes of tension headaches.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
Book Your Appointment Now: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/new-patients
Call or Text Us At: (917) 830-4440
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief.
Sources:
Zheng H, Gao T, Zheng QH, Lu LY, Hou TH, Zhang SS, Zhou SY, Hao XY, Wang L, Zhao L, Liang FR, Li Y. Acupuncture for Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurology. 2022 Oct 3;99(14):e1560-e1569. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200670. PMID: 35732505.
Monti-Ballano S, Márquez-Gonzalvo S, Lucha-López MO, Ferrández-Laliena L, Vicente-Pina L, Sánchez-Rodríguez R, Tricás-Vidal HJ, Tricás-Moreno JM. Effects of Dry Needling on Active Myofascial Trigger Points and Pain Intensity in Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Controlled Study. J Pers Med. 2024 Mar 22;14(4):332. doi: 10.3390/jpm14040332. PMID: 38672959; PMCID: PMC11051369.
Shah N, Asuncion RMD, Hameed S. Muscle Contraction Tension Headache. [Updated 2024 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562274/
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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