| Finding it hard to maintain with a migraine? |
|
Are you tired of having headaches, day after day; frustrated with not being able to do what you enjoy because of the “pounding in your head”, leaving you to have to lie in the a dark room with a cool cloth over your eyes just to ease the pain. Well, a great number of Americans suffer from migraine headaches, it is a common tale. Many of these people over time begin to succumb to the migraines relentless attacks by modifying their lifestyles (doing less of what they enjoy) because of the pain or the fear of triggering another headache/migraine. Well, if this described you, then it is time for you to get your life back and rid yourself of this pain in the neck forever.
Symptoms:
What Causes Migraines? Migraines and headaches can be caused by many different things, from poor working positions, poor eyesight, glare from the sun, poor diet, lack of sleep, etc. So if you have chronic headaches are great place to start is to get a physical from your physician to ensure that you are “healthy”. Many migraines; however, are “muscle tension” headaches meaning that the muscles of the upper back, neck and even scalp become overly tired and tight causing “tension” at the head/neck resulting in compression of the underlying nerves/blood vessels and straining the tendons that connect the muscles to the base of the skull…all of which can produce a whopping headache. Because over fatigue of the head/neck muscles can produce a headache, it is very common for sufferers to find that they get headaches later in the day or after increased activity. It has been proven very effective, that if you can reduce the stress/strain at the head/neck that migraines diminish if not completely resolve. So how is this done. Handling Your Migraine: If you are suffering from chronic muscle tension headaches/migraines, the first thing we have to physically consider is your “tolerance for activity”. When muscles get tired, they get tight….bottom line. That is any muscle anywhere. However, if that muscle is about your neck/head/shoulders then you are very prone to headaches. For when these muscles get overly tight, the impact the head; it is important to consider, that the average adult head weights 14 pounds. This 14 pound weight sits atop of our neck and shoulders which are commonly weak. That is like placing a big orange on a spring “slinky”. Imagine if you will if you held a 5 pound weight in your hand and then straightened out your arm. You would inevitably find that within 30 seconds that your shoulder would begin to fatigue and “burn” from the strain. Well…that is what is occurring at your neck; however, due to working postures it happens over an 8 hour day. So the need is to make sure that you can physically tolerate (or are properly conditioned) for the type of work you do, if not…some form of pain will result, be it a tendinitis, bursitis or a headache. Developing “tolerance for activity” involves a combination of stretching (to alleviate existing tightness) and low level strengthening (to help increase muscles endurance, giving you the ability to work longer without becoming fatigued). Frequent Stretching: Stretching throughout the day can help keep muscular tension down. Hold stretches 30 seconds giving the muscles time to respond and become more flexible. All stretches should be strong, but comfortable…don’t go to the point of discomfort. Frequent Breaks: As you are able, take frequent breaks. That can be a simple 30 seconds to 1 minute to get up and move around; giving the working muscles are small break so that they don’t get over fatigues. Proper Set Up of Your Work Station: Most of us work for 8+ hours a day. If your workstation is not properly set up it WILL CAUSE unnecessary stress on you. Having your computer screen, key board and chair height properly adjusted can greatly diminish head/neck stress that can contribute to migraines: DON’T SLOUCH, DON’T LEAN, DON’T OVER REACH. Don’t squint: If you are squinting at work, something needs to change: eyeglasses, a better lens prescription for your glasses, better lighting, a better workstation set up. Eye strain = headache. Proper Hydration: Make sure you drink plenty of water. Many people drink coffee or soda’s throughout the day. These are diuretics and are stimulants, meaning that they will dehydrate your tissues leading to tension and increased metabolism which can increase heart rate, blood pressure etc, making you more prone to headaches. Peak Physical Therapy and Migrain Headaches: Peak Physical Therapy can help by helping you in all the above areas, find out specifically where you need the most help, getting you feeling better sooner. A Peak Physical Therapist can begin helping you control your symptoms as well as helping you organize your workspace, work on posture and overall help you develop the needed physical tolerance/muscle balance you need to work and play comfortably. Visit one of Peak Physical Therapy's 7 physical therapy locations throughout Idaho and Colorado. Boise Idaho Physical Therapy Eagle Idaho Physical Therapy Emmett Idaho Physical Therapy Mountain Home Idaho Physical Therapy Middleton Idaho Physical Therapy Colorado Springs Physical Therapy Durango Colorado Physical Therapy |
Physical Therapy Excercises
- Knee
- Ankle
- Shoulder
- Bal.
Total Knee Replacement
Clinic Ankle Pain
Shoulder Impingement
Balance
