Neck Pain, Posture and Headaches

Headaches and neck pain are far too common – especially for those sitting at a desk, driving long hours, or bending over all day. Rather than suffering chronic pain, seek out chiropractic help, improve your posture, and add simple stretches and exercises to your daily routine.

You know that feeling – the one where you start to feel a headache coming on. For many people, it is a daily occurrence and often begins in the neck and shoulders. That’s right – tight muscles in your neck can result in tension headaches (also known as stress headaches). 

If you sit at a computer all day, your posture may also be contributing to a decreased range of motion, premature degenerative changes in your spine, and headaches – but there’s good news! There are a few simple steps you can take to help you feel less pain, increase your energy, and fend off those degenerative changes. 

You may be wondering, what can I do to relieve tension headaches? 

• Do neck stretches 
• Move more (exercise!)
• See a chiropractor
• Apply a cold compress
• Take frequent breaks
• Improve your posture

Chronic neck pain can rob you of the things you love. Enjoying your hobbies, taking a few moments to relax, and time with your family can all be affected. However, neck pain and headaches don’t have to be a part of your daily life. By understanding the latest research, you can take massive action to improve your health. 

New evidence-based guidelines strongly recommend a combination of exercise, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments to help reduce neck pain, headaches, and muscle tension.

Take your life back from pain with the following next steps:

• Try these stretches 
• Try these exercises
• Seek out your local, top-rated chiropractor. An amazing 85% of people receiving chiropractic adjustments for acute neck pain experienced significant improvement.

Your habits and lifestyle can make a massive impact. Start reducing neck pain today by taking breaks every hour and stretching out your neck and shoulders. (Tip: Set a reminder on your calendar, your phone, or smartwatch to remind you to stretch!) Take a brisk walk during lunch or hit the gym a few times a week to increase your activity levels. Finally, don’t forget about getting adjusted. Research proves that chiropractic adjustments are a smart decision!

Science Sources:

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise with Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain- A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 156, 2012

Perceived Value of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise Among Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain: A Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2014

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults with Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Volume 37. 2014

Outcomes from Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Confirmed Symptomatic Cervical Disk Herniation Patients Treated with High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Spinal Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2013