Neck rub may be better than a headache pill

NECK massage could be more effective than drugs for treating the most common type of headache, according to a new study.

A tension headache causes pain on both sides of the head and can cause neck muscles to tighten.

An analysis of five clinical trials shows that physical therapies, including manipulation of the muscles at the top of the neck, were more effective than over-thecounter painkillers in reducing frequency, intensity and duration of such headaches.

The researchers. from Universidad San-Pablo CEU in Spain, whose work is published in the journal Cephalalgia, say further trials are needed to understand fully why physical therapy may be better.