If you suffer from frequent headaches, you may be quick to reach for an aspirin or other pain reliever. However, it’s important to consider the underlying causes of your headaches, which may be linked to certain everyday habits. From poor posture to dehydration, learn about the surprising factors that could be contributing to your headaches.
Poor Posture and Neck Strain
Poor posture and neck strain are common causes of tension headaches. When you spend long hours sitting at a desk or looking down at your phone, you may be putting unnecessary strain on your neck muscles. This can lead to tension headaches, which are characterised by a dull, aching pain that feels like a tight band around your head. To prevent these headaches, try to maintain good posture throughout the day and take frequent breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders.
Skipping Meals or Dehydration
Skipping meals or not drinking enough water can actually trigger headaches. When you don’t eat regularly, your blood sugar levels can drop, causing headaches. Dehydration can also lead to headaches, as your brain needs water to function properly. To prevent these types of headaches, make sure to eat regular, balanced meals and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Overuse of Electronic Devices
Another common habit that can lead to headaches is overuse of electronic devices. Staring at a computer screen or phone for extended periods of time can strain your eyes and cause tension headaches. To prevent this, take frequent breaks and practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Additionally, consider adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your devices to reduce eye strain. It’s also worth checking out this article on Text Neck, a term Chiropractors have coined to
Lack of Sleep or Irregular Sleep Patterns
Another common habit that can lead to headaches is lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns. Not getting enough sleep or having poor quality sleep can cause tension headaches or migraines. It’s important to establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed and keeping your bedroom cool and dark can also help improve the quality of your sleep.
Headaches can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While painkillers can provide temporary relief, they often come with unwanted side effects.
Identifying and addressing the root cause of your headache is vital to overall health. The daily habits above combined with Chiropractic is key to achieving this.
Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective alternative to managing headaches.
One of the main benefits of chiropractic care for headaches is that it focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of your pain.
Chiropractors will conduct a thorough examination to determine if misalignments in your spine or neck are contributing to your headaches.
By correcting these misalignments through adjustments, chiropractors can help alleviate your pain and prevent future headaches from occurring.
This approach is much more effective than simply masking the symptoms with painkillers.
If you would like to take the natural approach to headache prevention please give our office a call on 021 487 8465 and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.
2 responses
Hello
I recently had two mri scans on my back and it turns out i have a bulged disc in my lower back L4 L5, which is extremely painful when it flares up.
In my mid back im told i have sheurmanns disease which would have happened in my teens when i was growing.
I had my left shoulder done aswell and there are four or five issues in that, arthritis and a cist are two i can remember off hand.
I am planning to get an mri on my upper back and right shoulder next.
Are you saying the scans you are offering ard more indept than an mri and is there anything you can do with sheurmanns disease. I presume you dont work on the shoulders.
Thanks
David
Hi David,
The scans we perform are different to MRIs in that they give me a better idea of how your system is working as a whole rather than trying to detect pathology. I won’t be able to correct the Scheuermann’s but have successfully helped reduce symptoms in that thoracic spine with others people with the same condition. Your shoulder issue may also have an underlying connection to your neck, especially if your posture is starting to round with the Scheuermann’s, so we may also be able t give some relief here.