If you frequently suffer headaches that feel like a vice wrapped around your head, you might be experiencing tension headaches. This type of headache can be related to posture, and is common among those who engage in repetitive movements or sit in one position for much of the day. This is especially true when that position involves looking at a phone or computer screen.
Stress is another common trigger for tension headaches. Those who are experiencing increased pressures at work, within their relationships, or other types of stress will often notice an uptick in the frequency of their headaches.
As with most ailments, prevention is so important to reducing the number and severity of tension headaches. If you’re struggling with this type of pain, keep the following tips in mind:
- Take breaks during screen time, long drives, or other situations in which you’re sitting in one position for long periods of time.
- Regularly stretch the muscles of your shoulders and neck.
- Sleep on your back, or on your side with a properly supportive pillow that holds your neck in neutral posture.
- Take steps to minimize the stress in your life
- See a dentist if you clench your jaw often, because you could be prone to a condition called temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
While some over-the-counter pain remedies work in the short term, headaches often return as the drugs wear off. Prescription-strength pain relief should be considered a last resort, as these medications can often become addictive and habit forming (and don’t address the root cause of the headaches anyway).
For more information on non-drug treatment approaches, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can often pinpoint the triggers for your tension headaches, offer chiropractic care to reduce your discomfort, and help you heal the underlying cause of the problem.