Have you noticed that you develop a tension headache nearly every day? If you have, you’re not alone, but there are some tips that can help you figure out how to stop tension headaches.
Tension headaches, you’ll be unsurprised to learn, are caused by tension. Typically, the triggering tension builds up in muscles at the base of your skull; these muscles are called the suboccipital muscles. A physical therapist can help you learn how to stop tension headaches with some specific self-care tips. They can also share some physical therapy techniques that can help you if self-care doesn’t stop your headaches.
These three tips can help you stop tension headaches
Figuring out how to stop tension headaches can be tough to do on your own. Working with a physical therapist allows you to draw on the wealth of knowledge these professionals have. This includes all the tips physical therapists can offer to reduce tension headache symptoms, including:
- Taking frequent breaks — If you work hunched over a computer for hours at a time, your neck, back and shoulders tend to get tense. This tension can lead to headaches. You can avoid this tension buildup by getting up and moving around for just a few minutes. Try to do so at least once every hour.
- Stretching at your desk — People who can’t get up and move around at work don’t have to resign themselves to tension headaches. You can try some easy stretches that you can do right at your desk; these can help keep muscle tension at bay. Some stretches you can do at your desk include:
- Shoulder rolls
- Neck rolls
- Head tilts
- Chin tucks
- Drinking your water — Dehydration can often be a trigger for tension headaches. A lack of water causes muscle fibers to shorten, which leads to muscle tension. To avoid this, be sure to take regular small sips of water. Your goal should be to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
What a physical therapist can do to help stop tension headaches
Some people might not be able to figure out how to stop tension headaches on their own, and that’s OK. If you can’t, you can turn to a physical therapist for help. They can examine you to determine the cause of your headaches, then build you a customized therapy plan that can include:
Find effective physical therapy for your tension headaches at Border Therapy Services
Keen to learn how to stop tension headaches? Working with our therapy specialists at Border Therapy Services can help you treat and prevent your headaches. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint the source of your headaches. Additionally, our physical therapists can construct a unique therapy plan for you that’s designed to reduce your symptoms and prevent future headaches.
Is a headache keeping you from seeking help at one of our clinics? No problem! Our therapists can come to you thanks to our at-home care and virtual therapy services.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can help you treat tension headaches or to schedule an initial appointment.