Headaches & Posture
Surprisingly, your bad posture may be the root cause of persisting headaches. Unfortunately, many jobs today require a significant amount of time hunched over a computer. The longevity of such improper postural positions can cause varying degrees of muscle strain. The strain on these tissues can increase tension in your neck muscles and in your lower head muscles, also known as your sub-occipital muscles. The tension associated with these muscles can lead to headaches.
Ensuring correct postural alignment throughout your day can prevent these headaches from occurring (1) . Proper postural alignment is the position in that the muscles and connective tissues are under the least amount of strain. Your head, trunk, and thighs should create a straight line, and your shoulders should be back and relaxed.
It is significant to recognize improper postural alignment in order to be able to properly adjust to correct postural alignment. Common postural deficits include leaning the head forward, rounding of the shoulders, and anteriorly tilting the pelvis creating an exaggerated arch in the lower back. Forward head posture and trapezius muscle tension, due to rounding of the shoulders, have been directly linked to the frequency and duration of tension headaches (2), (3) . Strengthening exercises targeting the neck muscles and the middle and lower trapezius muscles can correct forward head misalignment and rounded shoulders. Individual ergonomic work environments, such as the aforementioned hunched in front of a computer all day, can also impact posture causing tension headaches. It is important to be aware of what a proper ergonomic set-up is, and to implement any changes that need to be made.
Posture is, evidently, important in more ways than one. Poor spinal alignment can strain and pull on certain muscles causing chronic and persistent headaches to occur. Be conscious and aware of your posture on a daily basis.
