Understanding the Connection: Neck Pain, Debilitating Headaches, and Hindered Fitness Goals

Don't allow neck pain and headaches to be a stumbling block between you and your fitness aspirations. Move better, feel better, live better with insights from M.A.T. specialist, Maurice Harden.  

There is a link between headaches and neck pains. What you may perceive as persistent headaches might actually be triggered by ongoing tension in your not-so-obvious neck muscles. 

Tired of stubborn headaches or migraines disrupting your regular fitness regimen? M.A.T. is founded on the thought that most muscular discomforts stem from muscle weakness rather than stiffness; this training technique takes an approach that zeroes in on the root cause of the problem as opposed to just alleviating symptoms. 

Muscle Activation Techniques (M.A.T.) fitness trainer Maurice Harden aims to reverse this cycle so you can fulfill your wellness goals and return to a pain-free, fully functional life. Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation assesses and corrects muscular imbalances and joint instability that result in restricted range of motion and pains like headaches & migraines.   

Migraines: Limiting Active Lifestyle and Sports 

Some clients come to me when every twist of their neck, every tilt of their head brings forth a throbbing pain. Migraines, often triggered by neck pain, can limit your active lifestyle or hinder your sports performance. Your favorite physical activities become painful instead of once enjoyable experiences.  

You may not realize it, but your neck is a complex network of muscles and nerves. Issues such as Forward Neck Posture or a weakened Deep Cervical Flexor (DCF) can cause strain and discomfort in your neck. When these muscle groups are compromised, this tension can radiate upwards, resulting in tension-type headaches and even migraines. The crucial factor that links chronic neck pain to severe migraines is often muscle activation— overworked muscles can result in a domino effect of unpleasant symptoms—including migraines.  

Proof of this is found in a study done on whiplash patients. Researchers noticed a common trait among these individuals—an impaired ability to relax their trapezius muscles even after performing physical tasks. It isn't a one-off occurrence exclusive to whiplash sufferers (playing football especially at the professional level creates a similar effect).  

Across the wide spectrum of chronic pain syndromes—including conditions such as chronic low-back pain, chronic fatigue, repetitive strain injuries (RSI), and computer-related disorders (CRD)—this difficulty in effectively relaxing muscles was noticeably shared.  

Reclaim Your Active Lifestyle: Overcome Migraines through M.A.T. 

Understanding the potential root causes of your chronic discomfort and discussing M.A.T. as a potential treatment could be your first step to reclaiming your active lifestyle. This technique is designed to balance the muscular system; helping to increase the stability of joints and boosting mobility, giving you the chance to resume your favorite sport or activity.  

When getting started with M.A.T., Maurice Harden offers an in-depth assessment to identify muscular inefficiencies and instabilities. Next, we introduce specially tailored exercises to restore muscle balance & joint stability. These exercises, when done consistently, can help restore proper muscle function and reduce the chances of chronic pain recurrence, allowing you to stay in step with your fitness goals. 

Here, we believe exercise is our best medicine. With M.A.T., you have the opportunity to reclaim your health and wellness. Start your journey to a healthier, happier you!