Just about every single one of us has suffered from a headache at one time or another. Sometimes they are bad enough to impact your daily functioning and even become debilitating. But are headaches preventable?
Though there are many types of headaches, tension headaches are the most common type of headaches, and they are typically affect the area of temples, back of the head, and forehead. Tension headaches are frequently caused by muscle tension in the neck; commonly by stress, posture, and strain. This type of headaches may often be avoided by changing a lifestyle or habits that are easy to form.
Here are some quick tips to minimize headaches.
- Take frequent breaks and stretch every 30 - 60 minutes from reading and working on the computer.
- Keep your computer monitor at eye level. Periodically look up at the ceiling to give your posture muscles a break.
- Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise such as walking is a great choice since overdoing exercise can also trigger headaches.
- Avoid slouching.
- Get a recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Drink half your body weight in ounces of pure water throughout a day.
- Identify triggers. Cheese, red wine, processed meats, chocolate, MSG, smoking, caffeine, strong smell, light, and skipping meals are common culprits.
- Breathe deeply. It is an effective relaxation technique that increases the supply of oxygen to the lungs and prevents an increase in heart rate and muscle tension.
- Try to relax… Headaches can be a response to excessive emotional stress.
Natural conservative therapy such as chiropractic adjustment, trigger point therapy and/or massage can be helpful in relieving tension headache. Furthermore, self-implementing stretches, proper ergonomics, proper posture and proper diet can also aid in preventing headaches as well.
Happy Halloween! 