Is Your Migraine Due to Poor Posture?
Have you ever been told to sit up straight, stop slouching or to walk tall? Well, this nagging advice could actually help you if you are suffering from migraine attacks. Poor posture could be a major culprit when it comes to the onset and duration of a migraine. The good news is that this is one of the easiest of all headache problems to solve.
We all fall into bad habits. Whether it’s slouching at our desks, sitting in traffic for hours or stretching out on the sofa, we are guilty of poor posture from time to time. After all, it’s more comfortable to sprawl, hunch or slouch than it is to sit up poker straight all day, every day. It’s not as though you have to start walking upright balancing books on your head. With a few minor changes, you could reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, and even eliminate them altogether.
The most common type of headache that poor posture can cause is the tension headache. This is the headache that can be felt across the shoulders and in the neck and head. It is the most common form of headache and can also be one of the most painful.
Neck-related headaches are often caused by inflammation of the middle and upper parts of your neck. These are called the facet joints. A tension headache can lead to a migraine, and this is when pain takes on a whole new meaning.
5 Ways You Can Improve Your Posture and Reduce those Migraines
You really don’t need to make huge changes to your life in order to make huge changes to your migraine attacks.
Here are 5 ways you can improve your posture and get relief from migraine and headaches:
- Are you sitting comfortably at work? Many people sit in an unsuitable chair or slouch at their desks. Choose a chair that supports your lower and middle back and which allows you to place both feet flat on the floor.
- Do you sit for long periods of time? This can put unnecessary stress on your back, so try to get up and move around at least once an hour.
- If you are standing for long periods of time, take the time to do some arm stretches about your head. Also try not to slouch as this can put pressure on your neck muscles.
- Try to do some exercise regularly. Exercise is great for posture, especially core strength exercises such as yoga or Pilates.
- Try to get a good night’s sleep and perhaps change the bed that you sleep on if you are suffering from neck or back pain upon waking.
Headaches can affect children, teenagers and men and women of all ages. That is why we expertly tailor our diagnosis and treatment services to your exact needs. We will look at all aspects of your lifestyle including your diet, your job, your daily routine and many other factors so that we can recommend the perfect course of treatment just for you.
Want Lasting Relief? Get to National Headache Institute Today!
Don’t suffer with headaches when we can help relieve the pain and reduce or stop the onset of symptoms. Get your headache diagnosis today at National Headache Institute. Call us at (908) 315-5707 or use our contact form to book a consultation.
