How MFR Therapy Can Help with Headaches Behind the Left Eye

by | Mar 21, 2024 | Common Conditions, Headaches

Understanding headaches behind the left eye
Headaches behind the left eye can be triggered by a variety of factors. One factor is hormonal changes, particularly in women during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause. Consumption of certain substances such as alcohol and caffeine, which are dehydrating, can also trigger these headaches. Some medications can induce or aggravate such headaches. Sensory stimulation, such as bright, flashing lights, loud sounds, or even strong scents, can also trigger headaches behind the left eye. A lack of sleep and poor dietary habits, particularly the consumption of foods with inflammatory additives and sweeteners like aspartame, are other common triggers. It’s also important to note that stress and lifestyle factors play a significant role in triggering these headaches.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Experiencing headaches behind the left eye can be both uncomfortable and concerning. The symptoms manifesting in this region can be varied, with common ones being sharp, throbbing pain, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light or noise. It’s not uncommon for individuals to also report an upset stomach or loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and even more specific signs like blurred vision or a tender scalp. For some, a fever might accompany the headache, which adds an extra layer of discomfort.

When these symptoms surface, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They will embark on a diagnostic journey that typically starts with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination to understand the full scope of the symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging or blood work, may be recommended if needed to rule out underlying conditions.

Possible complications
If left untreated, headaches behind the left eye can lead to a number of complications. These can range from decreased productivity due to frequent and debilitating pain, to more serious health issues such as chronic migraines. These headaches can also significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, interfering with sleep, social activities, and even leading to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
Traditional treatments
When encountering headaches that arise behind the left eye, mainstream medical approaches typically default to pharmacological remedies. These remedies are designed to alleviate the discomfort and accompanying symptoms associated with such headaches. Common treatments may include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and sometimes, prescription medications intended to mitigate more severe forms of head pain.

Unfortunately, these methods are not without their limitations. One of the primary concerns is that they offer merely a temporary cessation of symptoms rather than a long-term resolution. This means that individuals may find themselves reaching for these medications repeatedly to manage their pain, which can not only become a cycle of dependency but also may lead to increased tolerance and, paradoxically, medication overuse headaches. Additionally, these treatments can bring along a slew of potential side effects. Depending on the individual and the medication taken, side effects may range from mild — such as dizziness and nausea — to more serious health implications. Furthermore, because these treatments tend to focus on the symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the headaches, they may not provide the holistic care that some individuals seek.

With these considerations in mind, exploring alternative, more sustainable therapeutic options may lead individuals to a deeper, more comprehensive management of their headache conditions. By addressing both the symptoms and their root causes, it is possible to move towards a path of long-term relief and wellness.

The role of MFR therapy in treating headaches
Myofascial release (MFR) therapy is a hands-on treatment technique that focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in our fascia. Because of this, it can be particularly beneficial in addressing the root causes of headaches. During MFR therapy, certified MFR therapists utilize gentle, sustained pressure and stretch to relieve any restrictions in the myofascial connective tissue which acts as a supportive web throughout the body, encompassing all of our internal structures down to a cellular level.

When this connective tissue becomes stiff or restricted due to stress, physical injury, or even emotional trauma, it can create referring pain patterns resulting in chronic headaches. By applying specific techniques to the affected myofascial areas, especially around the neck, shoulders, and jaw, MFR therapy helps to loosen the restrictions and improve tissue mobility. This not only alleviates the immediate headache but also works on the deeper issue causing the symptoms, offering a more lasting form of relief.

Furthermore, MFR therapy acknowledges that the entire body is interrelated. Thus, a restriction in one area could potentially lead to discomfort or pain in another, such as a past injury in the lower back manifesting as a headache. By holistically approaching the body and its fascial lines, MFR therapy aids in restoring the body’s balance and natural alignment, which can significantly reduce, if not eradicate, headache occurrences.

Benefits of MFR therapy
MFR therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals suffering from headaches. As mentioned above, by releasing tension in the myofascial tissues, MFR therapy can significantly reduce headache pain and frequency. In addition to pain relief, MFR therapy also promotes better circulation, improved oxygen flow, and increased function in the lymphatic system, helping to relieve chronic headaches and improve your overall sense of well-being. Moreover, unlike some traditional treatments, MFR therapy targets the root cause of the pain, offering long-term improvements rather than just temporary relief. Many of our patients have experienced significant reductions in their headache symptoms and have been able to return to their normal activities with renewed energy and vitality.
Comparisons to other treatments
When exploring treatment options for headaches, MFR therapy often presents a distinct approach by targeting the source of discomfort rather than just managing symptoms. In contrast to conventional methods, such as medications that may offer quick but temporary alleviation, MFR therapy seeks to address the underlying myofascial restrictions that contribute to headache pain. The non-invasive, drug-free nature of MFR sets it apart as a preferable choice for those with medication sensitivities or for individuals looking for holistic treatment alternatives. Without the reliance on pharmaceuticals, MFR therapy also sidesteps potential side effects and fosters the body’s natural healing capacity. By focusing on the connective tissues, MFR not only aids in diminishing current headache occurrence but also serves to maintain myofascial health and mobility, preventing headache episodes in the future.
Summarizing the benefits
By focusing on the fascial system and addressing the fascial restrictions, MFR therapy can offer significant relief for those experiencing headaches localized to the left eye, or in general. The gentle, sustained pressure and stretch applied in MFR not only contributes to immediate alleviation of pain but also initiates a process of long-term healing. Pain reduction is often accompanied by increased mobility, diminished tension, and an overall sense of wellness.

Furthermore, the holistic nature of MFR allows for a broader impact on the body’s health systems. Improved blood circulation and more efficient oxygen delivery to cells are just a few of the circulatory benefits. In parallel, enhancing the lymphatic system’s functioning can lead to a decrease in toxin build-up, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of headaches. The sustained results of MFR therapy can therefore represent a turning point in your journey towards long-lasting health and freedom from pain.

Next steps for interested readers

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of MFR therapy, we invite you to visit MFR Health. Here, you can explore a variety of resources to help you identify how you may benefit from MFR care. At MFR Health, our directory of certified MFR therapists are ready to guide you through the process, from initial consultation to personalized treatment plan, one session at a time. Getting started is simple — just locate a certified MFR therapist near you today. We look forward to helping you embark on this journey towards pain-free living.