Try These 3 Things Next Time You Get A Headache

Some people get headaches only on occasion, while others have them frequently. Whether you are a frequent headache sufferer of it only happens once in a while, you'll be glad to know that headaches often respond well to conservative self-care.

Sure, headaches can easily be remedied with a handful of pills. But aspirin, ibuprofen, and Tylenol have side effects. And they don't address the root cause of your headache-so chances are, it's going to come back.

To help your headache pain without drugs, look to the neck. This is a common site for muscle tension even if you don't have pain in your neck. Muscle tension in your neck is one of the leading causes of headaches-maybe even the main cause. So before you do anything else to heal your headache, pay attention to your neck.

---

1. Heal Your Headache with a Posture Upgrade

Start with your posture for immediate headache relief. We often don't realize, until the pain starts, how badly we're carrying our heads.

Many people hold their heads out in front of their bodies instead of back over the shoulders. Modern life, with computer use and texting, makes this tendency worse. But this causes strain on your shoulders and neck and may result in headaches.

To improve posture, imagine a string holding up your head, leading from your center back up through your skull. Imagining this string can help you keep your shoulders, neck, and head aligned. And good posture can relieve a lot of pressure, muscle strain, and headaches.

---

2. Gentle Stretches Ease Headache Pain

One way to get immediate relief from a headache is to stretch your neck. But be kind to yourself! Move your neck through its range of motion, gently stretching areas that seem tight. Don't pull on your head or neck or crack it; just move to where you feel a stretch, and wait 10 seconds or so. Gentle stretching eases muscle tension while avoiding injury.

---

3. Check for Misalignments That Cause Headache Pain

If stretching and sitting up straight aren't giving you relief from headache pain, you may need a little help. Your chiropractor can usually help with headache issues, often taking x-rays to determine the source of the problem and then making adjustments to remedy misalignments. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for headaches, addressing the source of tensions and relieving headache pain.

---

If you suffer from headaches, try these tips for quick relief. Start with posture, then add gentle stretches, and if you need more help, call King Chiropractic Hand & Foot in Wilmington at (910) 777-7228. We'll set you up with an appointment to look for the cause of your headaches and get you back to your pain-free best!