Is Back Pain to Blame for Headaches?
By Sara Butler
For people who suffer from chronic headaches, triggers are something they are constantly on the lookout for. If you could figure out what is causing your headaches, then you can take a step toward stopping them. But if you really want to uncover the source of your headaches, you may want to start looking outside your head. The chiropractors at The Joint know that many types of headaches can be related to the spine. Here are some of the most common spinal headache triggers to be on the lookout for!
Your Posture
For many people, a lot of time is spent each day hunched over a desk on a computer. If this sounds like a familiar scenario, then your daily posture really comes into play -- especially if you’re trying to discover what your headache triggers are. If you find that you’re hunching, slouching, or slumping over your keyboard, then make a conscious effort to straighten up. Make sure your computer screen is at (or just below) eye level and that you have a supportive chair that helps to encourage good posture. Small adjustments to your posture over the course of the day can help to alleviate muscle tension in your back and shoulders, which may help to relieve headaches too.
Habits
Even the little things you do each day, such as loading the dishwasher or getting out of bed, can have an impact on your spine and the muscles in your back. If you do the incorrect motion repeatedly, then it can lead to problems such as chronic headaches or even a pinched nerve. Make sure to think about how you’re performing daily tasks and what daily habits may be contributing to your headaches.
Stress
Stress all by itself may not be the cause of your headaches, but it can play a big part. When you’re stressed, your muscles tend to become tense. This tightening in the muscles of your back, neck, and shoulders can impact your spine by creating joint dysfunctions and restrictions that can eventually lead to headaches. So, the next time you feel stressed, try some relaxation exercises to help.
If you suffer from chronic headaches, see a chiropractor at The Joint for an assessment today. They can help you uncover your triggers and try to help reduce the frequency of headaches in your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.