Headaches… Hit the Road!

Has a headache ever ruined your day? I know it has for me.

Do you find yourself with a tension headache at the end of the work day?

Have your headaches been winning the battle?

Here are 3 common causes of headaches and ways to prevent them:

1. Poor posture – Slumping at your desk and forward head posture increase muscular tension in the back of the head, neck, and between the shoulder blades. Ways to improve posture are to sit tall and imagine a string pulling out of the crown of your head towards the ceiling, have proper low back support, keep your chest open, shoulders and chin pulled back. Proper office ergonomics include feet flat on the floor, elbows bent 90 degrees and vision directed at the middle of your computer screen.

2. Dehydration and poor diet – Never skip a meal, and make sure to drink adequate amounts of water. Try to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, not including teas, coffee or juices. Caffeinated beverages have a diuretic effect on the body and actually dehydrate you. Make sure you keep your blood sugar levels stable by eating every 2-3 hours and choosing low-glycemic foods.

3. Chronic stiffness and lack of exercise – There are so many ways to stay supple. Try packing a lunch and going for a walk on your lunch hour. Take stretch breaks, learn shoulder-retraction exercises and spinal-strengthening, and make sure your off-work activities don’t include prolonged computer use. Try a yoga class, a walking club or consult a personal trainer. Go dance…There is something for everyone.
If you are having trouble preventing or managing headaches on your own, do consult a healthcare professional of your choice.

Massage Therapy can be an integral part of addressing chronic stiffness and injury.

Stay Supple!