At the National Headache Institute we use a multifaceted evaluation to diagnose and treat our headache patients. Many of our patients tell us they get headaches at work or shortly after. As part of our customized treatment procedure we also advise patients on how they can help themselves.
Many work related headaches are a result of bad habits at work and sitting at a desk all day can contribute to headaches and migraines.
Here are several tips to make work at a desk less physically stressful.
- Chair: a chair is not just a piece of office furniture. A good work chair should be properly cushioned, firm, and provide support for the back and spine./li>
- Proper Posture: along from a comfortable chair, proper posture is essential. Many headaches are caused by overall body tension. With improper posture, muscles tense, cramps occur, and the neck may be bent at odd angles. All of this can lead to headaches.
- Positioning The Computer: a computer should be easy to see. Eye strain is a leading cause of headaches for people who work in offices. We advise that a computer’s monitor should be set at a straight up and down angle (no tilting) and also no further than 35 inches away from the user’s eyes.
- Lighting: lighting should not be too bright or too dark and needs to be properly adjusted. Overly bright lighting and glare leads to headaches. Overly dim lighting causes eye strain as the eyes try to adjust to the lack of light.
- Take Breaks: stress headaches are often brought on by staring at a monitor for too long. Breaks don’t have to be long to be effective. Simply looking away or standing up for a minute is very effective. Aside from any longer breaks at work, make it a point to look away from the screen every 15 minutes or so to reduce eye strain.
- Blink: not blinking enough causes dry eyes and contributes to headache-causing eye strain. So make it a point to blink and glance away from the computer screen. For patients with dry eye,s we recommend eye drops. For an overly dry work environment a humidifier can moisten the air.
- Drink water: dehydration leads to headaches. Because of this fact, staying hydrated is highly important. Along with drinking enough water at work, it is also important to drink it at home. Waking up thirsty is a sign of dehydration.
- Reduce Stress: stress is a contributing factor to headaches. While keeping entirely calm at work is not always possible, there are ways to reduce stress and stretch out the neck and shoulder muscles. Aside from occasional breaks neck rotations, deep breathing, and arm rotations can keep muscles loose and reduce stress.
- Keep Health In Mind: headaches can be brought on by not eating well. Never go to work hungry. Always have a healthy and filling breakfast before work. This helps in getting through the morning before lunch. Also be sure to get enough sleep. We also advise that patients keep their sleeping habits consistent as erratic sleep patterns are unhealthy.
National Headache Institute
At the National Headache Institute, we approach every one of our patients as an individual with individual needs. No two headaches are alike and we tailor our treatments to fit the unique circumstances of every one of our patients. We use the latest technology to assure successful treatment and improve quality of life. If you’re suffering from regular headaches or migraines please contact our neurologists at Houston Headache today. We are confident that our experienced team, including neurologist Dr. Payman Sadeghi, can bring you relief.
