Why do you get headaches? The small “suboccipital” muscles at the base of your skull lead to headaches. Other causes include but are not limited to dehydration, locked joints in the neck, malnutrition, and/or other medical conditions. Today, we go over the cause of headaches and how to treat them. It is important to note that if you do suffer from chronic headaches, it is best to seek out the help of a professional.
What Are the Causes of Headaches?
The suboccipital muscles shorten and tighten up if you are in a position where your head is pushed too far forward, which creates headache tension. If you are seated for an extended period of the day with your head leaned forward, these muscles can get shortened. This yanks on the vertebrae of your upper neck and the base of your skull producing tension, which manifests as a headache at or above eye level or at the top of your head.
What Exercises Help Relieve Headache Tension?
Fixing your posture can help relieve headache tension. First, pay attention to how far forward your head is extended throughout the day and take note of how this position makes you feel. If you need to reset your posture, stand flat against a wall for two minutes to see if that relieves any headache tension. Some additional exercises include but are not limited to the following:
- Turn your head side to side
- Try the cat/cow yoga stretch
- Do chin tucks up and down
What Does a Chiropractor Do to Release Headaches?
According to the American Chiropractic Association, spinal manipulation is an effective headache treatment option for many sufferers. A chiropractor helps release a client’s headache by adjusting the alignment of your spine to improve spinal function and alleviate stress on your nervous system. We employ a variety of techniques for our clients to ensure we understand the root cause of your headache.
Got headaches? We can help! Contact us online to schedule a session with our experienced chiropractor.