Headaches are something that happens to everyone, but if they become chronic it can start to seriously disrupt your quality of life. Medical researchers are still trying to fully understand the cause of chronic headaches, and there are a lot of factors that play a role, including nutrition, stress, cardiovascular health and lighting.
One factor that can be easy to overlook is posture. Slouching can put uneven pressure on the support structures of our body and potentially restrict blood flow. In the case of the head, if you have poor posture in the neck and shoulders, it can be a significant contributor to headaches. What’s more, it may even lead to long-term problems in the upper spine and nervous system that may also be related to chronic headaches.
To help you understand the relationship between posture and chronic headaches, Border Therapy Services is sharing the following information and tips. Please contact us to learn more about our treatment options and if you have any questions.
How can posture improvement help with chronic headache treatment?
Proper posture has a number of positive effects on the body, including even weight distribution and decreased muscle tension. While improving posture in the neck to prevent chronic headaches is critical, it needs to be built on a foundation of proper posture for the whole body.
Here are some tips to help:
- Stand up straight, with your feet on the ground
- Try to imagine strings pulling you upward, including your head
- Always keep your shoulders back, don’t slouch forward
- Try to keep your head level at all times
- Walk with a short, even stride
- Sit up straight and keep your upper legs parallel to the floor
Along with hydration and good nutrition, posture is an excellent natural method that can help keep headaches at bay.
Physical therapy for chronic headaches
A qualified physical therapist can work with you to improve your posture as part of a comprehensive chronic headache treatment plan. At Border Therapy Services, our expert staff has more than 100 years of combined experience across multiple clinics in Texas and New Mexico.
We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that can relieve tension, increase neck strength and improve range of motion in the head and neck. Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.