Have you ever noticed that your posture can affect how you feel? Maybe you've experienced neck or back pain after sitting at a desk for too long or felt a headache coming on after slouching in your chair. But did you know that poor posture can also contribute to migraines? That's right – how you hold your body can impact your head pain. In this post, we'll explore the connection between posture and migraines and what you can do to improve your alignment and reduce your symptoms with the help of a chiropractor for migraine in Edmonton, Symmetry Spinal Care.
When we talk about posture, we're referring to how we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or moving. Good posture involves alignment of the spine, hips, and shoulders, with the head balanced on top. Conversely, poor posture can lead to strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back. This can contribute to tension headaches and migraines.
Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. They can be accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, or smells and may be preceded by visual disturbances or other symptoms. While the exact causes of migraines are not fully understood, they are believed to involve changes in blood flow and nerve signaling in the brain.
So, how does poor posture contribute to migraines? Here are two examples:
When you hold your body in awkward or asymmetrical positions, the neck and upper back muscles can become tense and overworked.
Poor posture can also reduce blood flow to the head and neck, contributing to migraines. This may be due to constriction of the blood vessels that supply the brain.
So, if poor posture can contribute to migraines, what can you do about it? Here are a few tips for improving your alignment and reducing your symptoms:
Pay attention to how you hold your body when you're sitting, standing, or moving. Are your shoulders hunched forward? Is your head tilted down? By being aware of your posture, you can make necessary adjustments to prevent problems like neck instability or cervical subluxation - a key factor to triggering severe migraines.
If you spend much time sitting at a desk or in front of a screen, take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around. This can help relieve tension in the muscles and improve blood flow.
Exercises targeting the core and upper back muscles can help improve posture and reduce the risk of migraines. So, we strongly recommend incorporating exercises like planks, bird dogs, and rows into your routine.
Stress can contribute to muscular tension and exacerbate migraines. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care can help address misalignments in the spine that may be contributing to migraines. It’s gentle and targets explicitly the atlas and axis bones - two bones that often get misaligned after a neck or head trauma.
If you're experiencing migraines, seeking the help of an Upper Cervical doctor may be a game-changer for your health and well-being. It will also help you gain insights into the importance of maintaining proper posture and identify lifestyle adjustments you must make to support good alignment, especially after receiving adjustments.
With the help of an Upper Cervical doctor, you can say goodbye to migraines and hello to a happier, healthier life. Book your appointment with Symmetry Spinal Care today!
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmaus, call our Edmonton office at 780-462-0447. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
