Are you or someone you know frequently plagued by headaches? This blog post is your ticket to waving goodbye to those persistent aches!
Understanding Headaches
Headaches come in many forms, with tension headaches being the most common type encountered in clinics. These headaches are frequently felt at the front and back of the head and can be brought on by stress, extended desk job, or excessive screen time.
The Importance of Neck Stretching
Given this, it’s crucial to focus on stretching both the front and back areas of your neck. This practice can help alleviate the pressure exerted on the nerves causing the headaches. It can improve your muscle strength and coordination in the neck and head regions, leading to better overall headache management.
Incorporating Regular Exercise
Additionally, doing regular exercises like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can help manage headaches. Studies show that these activities can reduce how often and how strong headaches are by improving blood flow, relaxing muscles, and releasing natural painkillers called endorphins.
The Neck Drop and Raise Exercise
Now, let’s look at a basic yet effective stretch that you may implement into your everyday routine:
Neck Drop and Raise
- Start on your hands and knees with your head in a neutral position.
- Tuck your chin into your chest and lower your head to the floor. Hold for around 10-15 seconds.
- Slowly raise your head up so you are now looking up towards the ceiling. Hold this for 10-15 seconds.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for a total of 10 more times.
Considerations for Exercise
When exercising, keep healthy nutrition and hydration in mind. Eat a light lunch or snack 90 minutes before exercising to keep your blood sugar stable. Staying hydrated before, during, and after physical exercise is crucial for avoiding headaches or migraines.
Before beginning a new workout regimen, visit your doctor, especially if you suffer from recurrent headaches. They can provide individualised advice based on your specific health circumstances and current drugs.
Conclusion
Adding exercise to your routine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start by picking activities you like, gradually increasing your endurance, and making sure you eat well and stay hydrated. Consulting your doctor is also important for safely including exercise in your plan to manage headaches. Remember to listen to your body, make adjustments when necessary, and celebrate every little progress you make towards a healthier and more active life.
For more information about Headaches
This article was written by our team of specialist therapists at Perfect Balance Clinic. If you would like more specific advice about how our team can help you with this condition or symptoms you may be having, please complete the contact form below and one of the team will get back to you shortly.
