Tension headaches can feel like a vice is gripping the sides of the head or like a tightening band around the forehead. They are often accompanied by neck tightness. A connection has been seen between them and people who sit for long periods of time at work. Sitting for a long time can weaken your extensors (neck muscles). Extensors have the vital job of helping your head not to move too far forward.
A study revealed the muscles of the neck and shoulders were 26% weaker in those who suffered from tension headaches versus those who did not. Strength imbalances were seen in muscles on both sides of the neck. The theory is that bending the neck forward to use tablets, cell phones, and laptops can increase the amount of stress being placed on these muscles.
Therefore, it makes sense that strengthening these muscles and your core muscles can help with tension headaches. That being said, it is important also to realize that unless the foundation of the muscular structure is addressed, tension headaches may still occur. How can this be accomplished?
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Tension Headaches Spring Lake Park MN
Relief for Tension Headaches
Understanding how the spine functions is an important component when it comes to finding relief for tension headaches. The spine protects the delicate spinal cord as it works to send messages to and from the brain about what is happening in the body. If the top bone of the spine – the atlas, or C1 vertebra – moves out of place, tension is placed on the spinal cord and on the brainstem. Muscles in this area also are negatively affected. This leads to distorted signals being sent to the brain, weakening of neck muscles, and tension headaches.
A study examined 47 patients who had non-migraine type headaches. Each of them received an atlas adjustment by an upper cervical chiropractor. They reported a major reduction in headache pain and found that 4 months later their headaches had been reduced by an average of 75%. Here at Hejny Chiropractic in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, we see similar results with our headache patients.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hejny, call our Spring Lake Park office at 763-230-0116. 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.