Headache Stretches

What Causes Headaches?

A large majority of headaches are a result of the muscles and joints around the upper neck becoming too tight, putting pressure on nerves at the top of your spine. There are also several other causes of headaches.

This then shoots pain to the back of the eyes and the forehead.

People who suffer this affliction can wake with it first thing in the morning, or it can develop during a long work day – particularly if you have a desk based job.

What Can I Do To Relieve My Headache?

The good news is that gentle stretching exercises can help alleviate the aches associated with tight muscles around the neck and upper back.

These really simple stretches can be done first thing in the morning, as well as during breaks at work to help minimize tightness and decrease the potential of tension related headaches.

They can be performed without any fancy equipment and only takes a few minutes whilst sitting at your desk.

5 Simple Stretches To Relieve Your Headaches

1. Chin Tuck Stretch

Gently bend your head forwards with one hand whilst guiding your chin towards your chest with the other until you start to feel a stretch at the back of the neck. Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat a few times

2. Cervical Extensor Stretch

To further stretch these tight muscles at base of the skull, with the head bent forwards, turn the head about 20-30 degrees to one side. NOW GENTLY DO THE NEXT STEP

If you turned to the left, then use the right hand to gently tilt the head forwards. You should have your hand hold the base of your skull whilst doing this stretch, to feel the stretch underneath your fingers.

Hold for 5-10 seconds only, then turn the head 20-30 degrees to the right, then use the left hand to stretch the other side. Repeat 5 times each side

3. Lateral Flexion Stretch

Sitting on your left hand, take your right hand over your head to hold your left ear, then gently pull your head to the right – you should feel a stretch down the left side of your neck towards the shoulder.

Hold for 20-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat 3 times each side

4. Cervical Rotation

Turn your head to the left to look over your shoulder as far as possible.

Hold for 2-3 seconds, then turn to the right and hold as well. Repeat 10 times each way.

This allows the little joints on the side of the neck to help slide on each other.

5. Shoulder Rolls

To finish off your stretching session, gently roll both your shoulders forwards 5 times, then roll them backwards 5 times.

This will allow the muscles that you have been stretching to help loosen up as well

Try to perform these stretches regularly if you are prone to headaches to help prevent them coming on.

Are There Other Things I Can Be Doing To Prevent Headaches?

Tight muscles are generally the result of a number of different causes. These can include:

• Poor Ergonomics (or working postures)

• Reduced Flexibility

• Bad Posture

• Repetitive Actions

• Increased Stress and Anxiety

If the above stretches do not start to relieve your symptoms quickly, chiropractic might be a great next step.