Research shows that a whopping 9 out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches to some degree. Headaches can be dull and achy, sharp or throbbing and may come about once in a blue moon or on a regular basis.
If you are one of the unlucky people who happen to suffer from frequent headaches there’s no doubt you’d like to find some relief. Not only are they painful, but headaches can also disrupt our daily lives affecting both personal and professional commitments.
While your initial reaction may be to reach for pain medication, if you’re suffering from frequent headaches it is more beneficial to try and solve the root cause of the issue. While doctors still aren’t sure of the exact origin of headaches most are believed to be caused by lifestyle issues.
Some things that may contribute to the frequency of your headaches include:
- Stress
- Caffeine intake
- Lack of sleep
- Poor posture
The vast majority of headaches begin with tension in the neck that then turns into a headache. Most people spend a good chunk of their day at a desk or looking down at their phone and this constant sitting or working with poor posture can be a major contributing factor to the number of headaches you may be experiencing.
To avoid common headaches caused by neck tension it is recommended that you:
Exercise Regularly
Consistent exercise, even if it’s walking, can help alleviate tension and relax some of the muscles that may be contributing to your headache pain.
Stretch Throughout the Day
If you work at a desk or on a computer all day it is suggested that you stand up every 30 minutes and stretch. Spending just a couple of minutes stretching can do wonders for the tension that can accumulate after a full day of sitting. A chiropractor can show you some simple, effective stretches to add to your daily routine.
Be mindful of your sleeping position
If you regularly wake up with a headache you may want to take note of how you’re sleeping at night. Keeping your spine neutral position can help take the tension away from your neck and keep you headache-free in the morning.
Reduce stress
Not only can stress directly contribute to your headaches, but the habits that we develop because of stress can be triggers. For example, many people clench their jaw unknowingly when they are stressed out. This tension can build-up and lead to frequent headaches
Don’t let frequent headaches control your life. Work with a chiropractor to not only pinpoint the cause of your headaches but also receive effective drug-free treatment. Stop masking the pain caused by frequent headaches and get to the root of the issue.
A chiropractor will look at the whole picture and help you create a game plan to treat and manage your headaches. By helping to treat the source of the problem you have a much higher chance of reducing the frequency of your headaches.
Contact us today so we can help get to the root cause of your frequent headaches.