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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are some tips for avoiding headaches?

    Related Topics
    Migraines & Headaches Neurology
    I suffer from chronic headaches and my doctor thinks they may be related to stress and even sitting down for long periods of time at work. Are there any prevention tips for avoiding headaches?
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  • Kathy Armstrong

    Physiotherapist

    Kathy Armstrong is the principal physiotherapy of Total Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation services that operates Wellers Hill Physiotherapy and Woollongabba Physiotherapy in the inner Brisbane southside.Kathy … View Profile

    Headaches will often occur when excessive stress is placed on the joints and soft tissues structures of the neck and upper  to mid Thoracic spine. Increased and prolonged use of the muscles of the shoulder girdle can cause referred pain and result in headaches.

    Poor sitting postures and prolonged times spent in hunched sitting positions such as at the computer can load these joints, muscles and soft tissue. Simple ideas to help can include regular breaks from the activity to gently stretch the muscles and move the head forward, backward and side to side.

    A correct set-up position for your workstation in particular the computer and desk can prove invaluable for ensuring good ergonomic principles being utilised during a working day. Taking time to relax and gentle meditation techniques can also help you to refresh.

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  • Helen Potter

    Physiotherapist

    As a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, with extensive experience and highly advanced qualifications, as well as excellent communication skills, I can help you to: Become informed … View Profile

    Hi

    The best suggestion on how to help your headaches is probably first to find out why you are getting  headaches. There are over 700 types of headache.

    Once you kow the type of headache you have you can be more likely to discover the most appropriate treatment for your headaches.

    Certainly as physiotherapists, with experstise in diagnosis and posture and spinal movement analysis, if your headache is posturally or mechanically based  we can often  treat you effectively. If we don't think physiotherapy is appropriate for you then we  can help you to find  appropriate help.

    Helen Potter Specialist Physiotherapist Subiaco

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  • Dr Melinda Ricci

    Chiropractor

    Dr. Melinda Ricci has a passion for optimizing health and preventing injury. Success Chiropractic has a Pediatric treatment facility, remedial massage, yoga and pilates classes … View Profile

    I agree with the two other responses but wish to add that most people suffer headaches as they are dehydrated.  Therefore, remain well hydrated!  If a headache is starting to set in, try drinking a glass of water (best to be just below rrom temp rather than cold from the fridge). Another cause can be electrolyte imbalance, particularly if the headaches are assoicated with physical activity; in this case an electrolyte drink can be of assistance.

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  • Dr Adam Arnold

    Chiropractor, Hypnotherapist

    Dr. Adam Arnold received his chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City MO in 1996. Dr. Arnold has been practising as a chiropractor … View Profile

    As some of the others pointed out, there are many different types of headaches.  I have found the most common type is generally cervico genic which means the origin is from the neck.  This will often lead to photophobia (difficulty with bright lights) and pain behind the eye.  I would suggest working on your posture.  It sounds like you are sitting alot, so do make sure you get up and move around.  A good postural exercise to improve your posture is to stand against a wall, let your head, shoulders, bum and ankles touch the wall.  Step away from the wall and keep this posture as long as you can while sitting.  Do this exercise repeatedly throughout the day (it only takes a few seconds) and soon you will improve your posture.  If the headaches are still occuring, then I would suggest a consultation with someone who specializes in postural correction.   A more recent type of headache I have been seeing with people who use computers is strain on the nerves controlling the eyes (cranial nerves).  An exercise to assist with this is to look at an object near you and then far away.  Repeat this for 10 seconds and do this at least once an hour.  I hope these tips help your headaches.

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