Since its debut, tikTok users have taken to hair Cracking or Scalp Popping with enthusiasm. This painful head massage technique originates in Mexican and Peruvian cultures as an effective solution to migraines and tension headaches.
Head Massage Technique for Headaches
Hair cracking (also known as scalp popping) does not relieve headaches. While this technique appeals to our instinct to apply pressure where it hurts, it does nothing to address the discomfort’s root source and may make headaches worse.
Origins of hair Cracking
This procedure entails grasping a small section of hair and tugging it upward until a telling pop sound can be heard, similar to how people pop their joints or knuckles. The technique originates in Mexico and Peruvian cultures to manage tension and migraine headaches.
Potential Hazards
However, this procedure can be potentially hazardous; it can tear the thin connective tissue layer of the scalp and form an air pocket beneath the skin that causes bleeding – This type of subgaleal hematoma can be severe if left untreated; to treat it safely, use an antibiotic ointment or liquid skin bandage to apply pressure over time and stabilize its pressure levels.
hair Crack Technique for Tension Relief
Hair Crack Technique involves gently pulling upward on a small section of their hair until they hear a popping sound to relieve tension and headache pain. The technique has its origins in Mexican, Peruvian, and Indian cultures as a method for managing heat-related migraines.
Irreparable Harm to the Scalp
Cracking hair may seem like an appealing tension reliever, but it can harm the scalp irreparably. Tugging the hair can pull apart thin connective tissue layers containing blood vessels and nerves; this may result in subgaleal hematomas or pools of blood beneath the scalp.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Cracks
Hairline cracks generally shouldn’t cause alarm but should be monitored closely if they progressively widen or deepen. Such changes could indicate structural issues and necessitate professional evaluation by an engineer to ensure safety and stability and recommend ways of repair or replacement to reduce future cracking.
Distraction from Headaches
If you have a headache, the last thing you want to hear are loud pops and crackles from your scalp. But that is what happens when trying out a popular social media trend known as hair cracking; it’s popping and crackling is meant to distract from the pain of a migraine or tension-type headache.
Miscommunication and Pain Management
A headache occurs due to miscommunication between the brain and spinal cord. When your brain sends signals indicating pain to your body, its responses include sending additional pain signals toto override what was already there. This process continues until, eventually, you experience other headache symptoms as a result.
Unconventional Pain Relief Technique
TikTok users have taken to hair cracking as an unconventional and pain-relieving practice, that originates in Mexican and Peruvian culture as an effective means of relieving tension- and pain-induced migraines. To implement the course yourself, pull up on small portions of the scalp until a suction-like pop noise can be heard; repeat as necessary until the desired result is obtained.
Potential Harm of Hair Cracking
But tugging your hair too forcefully can do lasting harm, according to massage therapist Jon Musgrave. According to him, the sharp tugging action of hair cracking can pull on skin and connective tissues that connect your scalp to your skull, potentially leading to subgaleal hematomas – blood pools that form beneath the surface – that may result in subgaleal hematomas that pool beneath the surface skin.
Treatment for Injuries
Injuries of this sort may be painful, yet generally minor. Most people can recover with rest, ice packs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen. If symptoms become persistent or severe, consulting your physician might provide further solutions, such as immobilization with casts, braces, or therapy to strengthen the area in question.
