Effective treatment for chronic headaches begins with diagnosing the root cause of them. Many chronic headaches are secondary headaches, meaning they are caused by dysfunction in another body part. For example, cervicogenic headaches are caused by an issue with neck muscles or vertebrae. Border Therapy Services in Horizon City, Texas shares some useful headache treatments based on the type of chronic headache.
Neck stretches
Because the head and neck are interconnected, neck stiffness is one of the most common symptoms that accompany chronic headaches. Neck stretches that improve range of motion in a stiff neck may provide relief from the pain of chronic headaches. The physical therapist will prescribe a stretch or manual therapy to adjust the neck himself, but these are some stretches you can try yourself for relief:
- Neck clocks
- Behind the back clasped wrist neck stretch
- Bridge pose
- Seated heart opener
- Grounded tipover tuck
Be careful not to overdo it on these neck stretches as you could accidentally strain a muscle in the neck if you try force the stretch too deeply.
Ergonomic recommendations
Poor posture is another common cause of chronic headaches. The hunched over position many people assume while working at a desk causes lots of tension in the neck, shoulders and back muscles. The forward head position we stay in while staring at a computer screen can actually shift the vertebrae in the neck away from its natural alignment.
Physical therapists are experts in providing ergonomic solutions that can aid in keeping good posture. This may include investing in a sit-to-stand desk or a chair with lumbar support. Identifying and rearranging items that cause patients to bend down a lot can cut down on back pain. Even the proper footwear can make a difference in how you distribute your body weight for your posture affecting your headaches.
Scheduling chronic headache treatment with Border Therapy Services
No matter the cause of your headaches, Border Therapy Services is skilled in treating patients with chronic headaches and migraines. Don’t ignore the problem, as the headaches can get worse and possibly lead to permanent nerve damage. Contact our Horizon City office today to set up your initial appointment and discuss your chronic headache treatment options.