Tackling Tension Headaches
If you’ve been battling more than your fair share of headaches lately and you’ve been coping with an unprecedented amount of stress, your headaches may be related to tension.
Tension headaches are the most common of all headaches suffered by adults. They go by several different names, but they’re most often referred to as tension or stress headaches. However, while the name may be ordinary, the pain that they cause is anything but humdrum.
A typical tension headache lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days. They tend to come on gradually and increase in severity over a period of time. One hallmark of the tension headache is the way that it announces itself by throbbing on the front, top, or sides of the skull. Stress headaches can come on at any time, but they’re most likely to attack during the afternoon.
According to Dr. George B. McClelland, a chiropractor from Virginia, most primary headaches are caused by muscle tension in the neck. Primary headaches are those which exist independently of another medical condition and are not the result of a primary injury or illness. Dr. McClelland believes that our more sedentary lifestyles are to blame for increased joint irritation and the resulting muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and back, all of which can contribute to stress headaches.
If you suffer from tension headaches, relief is as close as your chiropractor’s office. Your doctor of chiropractic is able to perform specialized adjustments that will improve the function of your spine, while relieving pain and stress on your system. In addition, your chiropractor can offer advice on posture and specific exercises for you to perform to ensure that your workdays are more productive and pleasant. Contact your chiropractic team today to experience this safe and effective method of stress relief for yourself.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.