Past research has demonstrated that dysfunction in the neck may play a role in the migraine headache process. In this study, researchers applied manual pressure to trigger points and non-trigger points in the trapezius muscle of 26 early adolescents with a history of migraines. Half of the subjects experienced a migraine headache when pressure was applied to a trigger point and none reported a migraine when researchers targeted a non-trigger point on the same muscle. The findings indicate that treatment aimed at resolving trigger points in the neck and upper back may reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. Doctors of chiropractic commonly treat trigger points with manual therapy techniques.
European Journal of Pain, September 2017