Alleviating Tension Headaches with Red Light Therapy on the Neck and Shoulder Areas

Tension headaches, as they’re aptly named, are the most common type of headaches for adults. Researchers estimate that around 80% of adults in the US get them from time to time, with women twice as likely to have them. It often manifests as tightness around the head and neck and can be due to several factors including stress, muscle strain, and poor posture. 

Pain relievers are the most common over the counter treatments for these types of headaches - if you do, however, continue to consume them on a frequent basis, there is the potential of medication overuse or rebound headaches. For a more natural approach, red light therapy provides an alternative. 

By targeting key trigger points, red light therapy at home can provide lasting relief for those suffering from tension headaches. Learn how this treatment works for the condition with our team at ROJO Light Therapy US. 

Why Focus on the Neck and Shoulders for Tension Headaches?

The neck and shoulders are the primary sites of muscle tension that can directly influence headache symptoms. The key muscles involved are:

• Trapezius: This large muscle extends from the back of the head to the shoulders and can often get tense for people with poor posture or stress.
• Levator Scapulae: These muscles help lift the shoulders and can get easily tense from stress.
• Suboccipital Muscles: Located at the base of the skull, this muscle often gets tense in people who frequently use computers or look down at devices for hours on end. 

How Red Light Therapy Works to Relieve Tension Headaches

Using red and near-infrared light, red light therapy targets muscle tightness and vascular health. Here’s a closer look at how the process works.

Reduction of Pain and Tension

Red light wavelengths can penetrate the skin and reach the muscles and tissue underneath. There, they stimulate the mitochondria - or the powerhouse of the cells - to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule provides cells with energy, and lends the necessary resources in the processes of repairing damaged tissue. 

Everyday activities such as repetitive strain, poor posture, and even stress can cause microtears or inflammation in the neck and shoulder muscles, contributing to tightness. The increased ATP production urged on by red light therapy allows cells to efficiently fix these damages. These repairs accumulate over time, and help reduce the cycle of tension buildup that often leads to headaches.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation often accompanies tension. Red light therapy mitigates this by reducing the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, providing immediate relief - especially for conditions that have been ongoing for some time. 

In combination with this, red light therapy releases anti-inflammatory cytokines which calm the body’s immune response. This further alleviates pain, and promotes faster recovery from inflammation-related muscle tightness. 

Enhanced Blood Circulation and Oxygenation

Red light therapy also encourages better blood circulation, allowing the neck and shoulder muscles to get the oxygen and nutrients they need for recovery. Moreover, it helps prevent the buildup of lactic acid, a common cause of muscle stiffness and soreness. By flushing this out and providing the muscle tissues with the nutrients they need, red light therapy helps relax these areas and reduces the likelihood of tension building up to cause headaches.

Key Takeaways

One of the biggest advantages of red light therapy is that it can satisfy the targeted approach needed to relieve tension headaches. Through handy devices such as our at-home RLT panels at ROJO Light Therapy US, you’re able to explore the relief of tension headaches in the comfort of your own home. These devices can be conveniently used without the need for professional help, while delivering the same benefits that devices in professional clinics offer. 

Explore our red light therapy product range now and find the best device for you. Contact us for more questions or inquiries.