Postural Headaches
The next time you get a headache, check your posture. Poor posture causes muscle strain, changes in your breathing patterns and leads to a host of problems, including headaches. Without being conscious and taking positive steps to get your posture back in line chronic neck pain and headaches will occur. Neck-related headaches are nerve related which can be caused by stress which can consequently lead to straining or inflammation of the discs and facet joints in the upper and middle parts of the neck. The most common type of headache is tension headaches which are brought about by muscle tension in the back of your neck and/or scalp. Neck related headaches could also occur as the result of inflammation in the joints where your skull and neck meet.
Factors
- Poor muscle tone
- Obesity
- Stress
- Pregnancy and
- High-heeled shoes
- Personal habits and environmental concerns- incorrectly set up computer workstation, carrying heavy backpacks, working on counter tops set too low or too high and even the way you hold and carry an infant or small child
Symptoms
- Tension headaches
- Mild to moderate pain, usually on both sides of the head or neck
- Neck-related headaches are usually on one side of the head or neck (severe pain)
Consequences
- Headaches can become chronic and result in additional problems
- Risk factors include prolonged poor posture and the overuse of pain medication
- Taking too much pain medication to cure a headache can have the opposite result and cause you to suffer from “rebound headaches”
Prevention/Solution
- Improve your posture- make a conscious effort to stand, sit and lie down properly
- Strength training that targets your back muscles and hamstrings
- Try alternative therapies such as getting a massage, relaxation therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic care instead of medication
