Does Bad Posture Really Cause Bad Headaches?

Does Bad Posture Really Cause Bad Headaches?

Monday, November 18, 2019

Everyone considers the cause of their headaches is something out of their control.

Almost everyone suffers from headaches and relates it with issues regarding work, children, spouse, bills, etc. But sometimes we tend to overlook the little things in our day that may just be causing that end-of-day daily headache.

Little things such as:

  • The way we sit during work
  • The way we type on the computer
  • The way we hold our phone

All of these habits on top of our daily tasks can contribute to headaches if we do not perform them correctly.

What causes headaches?

People get a headache due to so many reasons.

Muscles tightness and tension are common reasons for headaches, especially tension headaches.

This tightness surrounds all over the neck and head, and its cause is bad posture. The muscles try to adapt to the constraints, which we put on them with our bad sitting and working positions.

Dehydration can also lead to headaches…

 Dehydration causes a drop in blood volume and a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid this.

Stress is another common trigger for headaches…

When we are stressed, our muscles tense up, and blood flow to the brain may be restricted, leading to headaches. Finding ways to manage and reduce stress, such as through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy, can help alleviate headaches.

Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can also contribute to headaches…

It is important to prioritise good sleep hygiene and ensure you are getting enough rest each night to prevent headaches.

Be conscious of what you eat and drink!

Certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods high in additives and preservatives, can also trigger headaches in some individuals. Keeping a food diary to track potential triggers and avoiding them may help prevent headaches.

Start looking into underlying health conditions…

Health conditions such as migraines, sinus infections, or eye strain can also cause headaches. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing frequent or severe headaches to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. 

What is posture?

Posture is the arrangement of body parts analogous to each other.

The posture and muscles that control it make us able to stop falling.

There are two types of posture…

Dynamic posture: this is how we hold ourselves while moving, walking, bending, and running. 

Static posture: this is how we hold ourselves while sitting, standing, and sleeping.

HOW DOES POOR POSTURE AFFECT OUR HEALTH?

From pain level to self-confidence, good posture impacts more than we think.

Slouching or slumping over due to bad posture can cause:

  • Misalignment of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Decreases body flexibility.
  • Causes a neck, shoulders, and back pain.
  • Make it harder to breathe and digest your food.
  • Causes headache Increases the risk of developing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to our posture and make efforts to maintain good posture throughout the day. This can include practicing exercises to strengthen core muscles, being conscious of how we sit and stand, using ergonomic furniture and tools, and seeking professional help if needed. By making small changes to improve our posture, we can positively impact our overall health and well-being. 

SO DOES GOOD POSTURE REDUCE HEADACHES?

Bad posture and headaches are interconnected!

The severity of headaches depends upon the way that a person stands and sits. Bad posture can cause headaches. These are known as tension headaches. By improving posture, we can reduce headaches and their frequency.

For posture improvement, one needs to follow the following tips:

  • Slouching adds stress to your spine. To avoid strain on bones, joints, and muscles, it is necessary to hold backbone at its place.
  • Standing up tall also prevents from posture problem. Stand with knees straight, tucked belly, and shoulders back improve spinal health.
  • Slumping at your desk during work, invites back pain and headache. Protect the natural curve of your spine. Try to keep rolled-up towels or lumbar cushions behind back to protect the spine's natural curve.
  • Tilting down your head on your smartphone strains your spine. Be aware of the Text neck and lift the phone for a better view and move eyes to check your smartphone rather than your neck.
  • Slacking is not allowed, not even for nap time. Choose a firm mattress, use a thin pillow while sleeping straight. Side sleepers should bend their knees slightly but never hug them.
  • Save heels for big nights only and regular exercise and tone your abs to get a perfect posture.
  • Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce headaches by improving posture.

Consulting a Chiropractor

Your local chiropractor for headaches and posture

If you find yourself struggling with headaches and poor posture, consider booking an appointment with us, your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas. Give us a call on 07 3381 0440 or book online here: www.centenarychiro.com.au 

 

Dr. Steve Hodal is committed to providing high-quality, individualized chiropractic care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are tailored to each patient’s individual needs, allowing them to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Contact us to know more about this disorder or Book Online.
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