Why Nothing’s Working for My Tension Headaches (and What Finally Helped)
If you've tried pain meds, massage, chiropractic adjustments, or even mouthguards for jaw clenching—and you’re still battling headaches or neck tension—you’re not alone. Many of our clients walk through our doors saying the same thing:
“I feel like I’ve tried everything. My head still hurts, my jaw is always tight, and nothing brings lasting relief.”
What if the issue isn’t just muscle tension or bad posture—but a deeper imbalance in your nervous system?
That’s where Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) comes in.
What Is Cranial Sacral Therapy?
CST is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with your body’s central nervous system. Using subtle touch (often no more than 5 grams of pressure), a trained practitioner releases restrictions in the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround your brain and spinal cord.
This system plays a major role in regulating your body’s response to stress and tension. When it’s out of balance, symptoms like chronic headaches, jaw clenching (TMJ dysfunction), neck pain, and fatigue can all surface.
How Can CST Help with Headaches and TMJ?
CST doesn’t force the body to change—it invites it to relax and self-correct. By gently mobilizing the bones of the skull, releasing tension in the dura mater (connective tissue surrounding the brain), and supporting fluid movement, CST can help:
Relieve tension-type headaches and migraines
Reduce jaw clenching, clicking, or popping (TMJ dysfunction)
Improve neck mobility and decrease stiffness
Calm the fight-or-flight response, easing stress-related pain
In one small randomized controlled trial, CST was shown to significantly reduce migraine frequency and intensity compared to placebo [1]. Another study found that CST could effectively reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain [2].
What Does a Session Feel Like?
Most people describe CST sessions as deeply relaxing—sometimes even meditative. You remain fully clothed while your practitioner uses light touch, primarily around your head, neck, and sacrum. Sessions are often so soothing that clients drift into a state of deep rest or even fall asleep.
Many clients report feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded—sometimes after just one session.
What If You’ve Tried Everything Else?
CST is different. It’s not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping your body reset and regulate itself from within. If your headaches, jaw pain, or tension aren’t responding to traditional approaches, it might be time to try something new.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
At Avalon Wellness & Performance, our therapists are specially trained in Cranial Sacral Therapy and Osteopathic Manual Therapy to help restore balance in your nervous system and bring lasting relief.
👉 Book your CST session today and discover how gentle touch can make a powerful difference.
