Stressful lifestyle choices are a major cause of tension headaches and migraines in millions of people worldwide. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a nine-to-five office employee, or a student, tension can hit you at any age, any time. To make it worse, the pain can grip your head like a tight headband and make it impossible for you to focus on anything else. Migraine patients have described the feeling as if a thousand bees have stung them in the head.

Migraine medication is a way to get symptomatic relief, but allopathic treatments can’t guarantee permanent reprieve from your symptoms, because they do not address the root cause. 

Fortunately, there are alternative health care professionals out there that can help you find some relief from the excruciating pain and discomfort associated with migraines.

Here’s some tips on how you can deal with your tension headaches and migraines, straight from a chiropractor’s diary!

Tip #1- Get adjusted: Of course the first thing you should think about when you have a migraine or headache is to get adjusted. There are many studies showing the benefits specific chiropractic adjustment has on headache symptoms. Do yourself a favor, don’t suffer longer than you have to, and come get adjusted. 

Tip #2- Consider switching your sitting position: Working or driving for long periods can cause you to sit in a hunched pose. Hunching for extended periods can cause severe health issues if not improved. The spine houses the spinal cord which is directly attached to our brain. When the posture of the spine is compromised, it, in turn, can compromise the efficacy of the internal structures of the nervous system. Maintaining proper posture helps to ensure a proper flow of signals from the brain to the body and back again. r. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your head or the back of your neck, consider changing your sitting position. Try to keep your head over your shoulders and your shoulders over your hips as much as possible while sitting to avoid unnecessary tension on the nervous system, which can result in symptomatic issues.

Tip #3- Drink More Water: Dehydration is a very common cause of headaches and migraine symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help your body carry out its functions normally and prevent tension headaches.

Tip #4- Stretch Out: Just like sitting with a hunched back is bad for you, sitting for a long time is too. Try to get up from your seat at least once per hour and stretch out. Stretching does not have to mean taking out your gym clothes and rolling out a yoga matt in the office (unless your boss allows that…). Do your best to walk around for some time and stretch out your arms, legs, back, and neck whenever you can to relax your muscles to help prevent stiffness 

Tip #5- Notice How You Sleep: How you sleep at night can really affect your mood the next day, but did you know that getting a good night sleep can also prevent many long-term issues? For starters, check that your mattress is firm but not hard so that it can cradle your body. Make sure your pillow is not too large, and it allows for your spine to align properly as you sleep. Try to avoid sleeping on your belly because it forces you to twist your neck in a way that can increase tension on the system. Do your best to sleep on your back or side. You can also use a body pillow to aid inside sleeping posture. 

Tip #6- Reduce Screen Time: Many people’s jobs require them to sit and work for hours on their computers and phones. However, there is emerging evidence that the blue light that electronic devices emit can be harmful to your eyes and cause tension headaches. Try to reduce your screen time where you can. One useful trick in this regard is to follow the 15-5 rule. That is, sit and work on your computer for 15 minutes, then take a 5 minute break and look anywhere except your computer or phone. This helps prevent dry eyes and also reduces the chances of tension headaches and migraines. You can also turn on eye protection on your devices or get specially designed computer glasses called blue light blockers that help filter out the blue light from these devices.

Tip #7- Take a Break From Loud Music: We all love enjoying our lives, and more often than not, it means partying. But if you expose yourself to loud music too frequently, it can cause tension headaches and worse, hearing disabilities.

Tip #8- Stop Clenching Your Jaws: Clenching your jaw may be due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Clenching can also be a symptom of stress. If you observe yourself clenching your jaw too often, visit your dentist for help. Mouthguards can help you get over the habit and prevent any damages to your teeth and jaw. Since clenching too hard can cause a sharp pain sensation in your head and neck region, getting rid of this habit can also help treat tension headaches and migraines. 

About Happy Family Chiropractic-

Choose alternative health care methods for a better life with our renowned and trusted chiropractor clinic in Juneau. Do visit us at Happy Family Chiropractic for services like chiropractic re-adjustments, physical examinations, and re-evaluation exams by our trained, expert professionals. Get your free consultation or book your appointment now! Call us on (907) 531-7604 or email us for more details.