Which area is commonly treated for tension headaches with dry needling?

The upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles are commonly targeted in the treatment of tension headaches with dry needling due to their role in the development and perpetuation of headache symptoms. The upper trapezius, located at the back of the neck and along the shoulder, is integral in posture and often becomes tense due to stress or muscle overuse. Similarly, the suboccipital muscles, which are situated at the base of the skull, can develop tightness and trigger points that refer pain to the head.

By using dry needling techniques in these specific muscles, practitioners can relieve muscle tension, reduce trigger point activity, and ultimately help alleviate headache symptoms. This approach recognizes the significant relationship between muscle dysfunction in the neck and shoulders and the occurrence of tension-type headaches. In contrast, other areas like the lower back, forearm and wrist muscles, or the quadriceps and hamstrings do not typically play a direct role in tension headaches, making them less relevant in this context.