Ergonomics Can Help Ease Tension Headaches

20% of chronic headaches may be caused by shoulder or neck tension.

Often, this tension is caused by poor posture while sitting at a computer or from chronic stress. The following symptoms are related to tension headaches:

• Pain at the base of the skull
• Aches behind the eye sockets
• Sore shoulder muscles or neck muscles

In contrast, mild to severe pain in the temple or the forehead may be caused by hormone changes, acute stress, dehydration or diet triggers such as with red wine or chocolate.

The Mayo Clinic offers these suggestions to help relieve or prevent tension headaches:

Exercise Regularly – Exercise helps to relieves stress, relaxes the muscles and increases the levels of one of your body’s natural stress relievers, beta-endorphin. Yoga, massage, and stretching can help prevent tension headaches.

Manage Stress – Stress is a common trigger for tension headaches. Try the following techniques to help reduce daily stressors:

1. Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback training and relaxation therapy can help reduce stress. Biofeedback teaches you to control certain body responses such as muscle tension, heart rate and blood pressure.

Cognitive behavior therapy teaches stress management techniques by providing skills that help you cope with life events more positively. Deep breathing, yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation are also techniques that can help you control the stress response.

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