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TENSION HEADACHES<br />
Studies show that over 90 percent of people will experience a headache of some form in their life,<br />
most commonly tension headaches. While the underlying cause is still being researched, tension<br />
headaches present as non-pulsating, band-like pressure in the neck and head on both sides. Symptoms<br />
normally last 30 minutes to seven days with mild to moderate intensity. Tension headaches are<br />
not aggravated by activity but can cause light or sound sensitivity. This headache is not associated with<br />
vomiting or nausea.<br />
Have a tension headache? Three things to try:<br />
BREATHE<br />
Lightly close your mouth and relax your neck<br />
and shoulders. With your hands over your belly,<br />
slowly inhale through your nose for five seconds<br />
and exhale for five seconds. Counting can keep<br />
your mind from drifting. Try this for five minutes.<br />
SLEEP<br />
Take a 20-minute nap. At night, get into a ritual<br />
so your sleep becomes a pattern. Avoid using<br />
tech devices and try meditation to wind down.<br />
POSTURE<br />
Keep your head over your shoulders. Slouching<br />
and looking down with your head stresses your<br />
neck’s muscles.<br />
When to get help:<br />
If you are experiencing multiple tension<br />
headaches a week, it’s advisable to seek out help<br />
from a clinician. There are many different modalities<br />
that can help provide relief from tension<br />
headaches including: massage, physical therapy,<br />
nutrition and acupuncture.<br />
One often overlooked area to have evaluated is<br />
the top of your neck. The top three segments in<br />
your spine feed directly into the pain center for<br />
the head, neck and throat; and may be a root<br />
contributor to your headaches.<br />
Dr. Kevin Hallmeyer DC, is a practitioner of the<br />
NUCCA technique which focuses on the structural<br />
correction of head and neck alignment.<br />
Learn more at truespinebend.com.
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