The Role of Posture in Preventing Migraines

Preventing Migraines One Posture at a Time

Migraine sufferers have at least one thing in common – they know pain! For the nearly 38 million people in the United States who grapple with migraine headaches every year, the effects aren’t just physical. When it starts to disrupt your sleep, distract you from work, and prevent you from participating in the activities you love, treating and preventing migraines becomes a top concern.

At Legacy Chiropractic, we offer effective and long-lasting treatment for migraine headaches that get to the root of the pain. A great example of the power of chiropractic care for migraines is the experience of our patient, Mr. Dorman. We’ll explore his journey with migraine pain and how he learned his posture was to blame!

Take a moment to note your current posture, then read on to learn how posture can be connected to your migraine pain.

Pinpoint Proper Posture for Preventing Migraines

Migraine headaches are repetitive attacks of pain with a range of accompanying symptoms. Approximately one-third of people experience a light-centered vision disturbance, called an aura (often flashing and/or floating), shortly before the onset of migraine pain. Other common symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Disruption in speech
• Fatigue

Causes of migraine headaches vary by individual and include:

• Genetics
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Certain foods
• Stress and Anxiety

An often-overlooked factor that can impact people with migraines is posture and misalignment of the spine. Hunching shoulders and maintaining awkward neck positions over long periods of time causes stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. The tension it causes can ultimately magnify and may even contribute to the development of migraines.

We’re not your mom or your grandma, so we’re not going to tell you to “sit up straight” or “stand up tall.” Instead, our team focuses on postural awareness so that you learn the natural posture your body was designed for. Practicing postural awareness reduces strain on the supporting muscles and joints in your back, shoulders, and neck.

• Take frequent breaks when required to sit, stand, or move for a long period of time.
• Make ergonomic adjustments to workspaces in the office and at home to promote proper posture and alignment.
• Change positions at frequent and regular intervals to avoid unnecessary strain on the spine and surrounding tissues.

Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach so that our patients receive pain relief as well as the tools to prevent the pain from coming back.

Mr. Dorman Found His Posture and Prevents Migraines

Mr. Dorman, a vibrant man in his 40s, had been grappling with debilitating migraines for years. Before coming to our clinic, he tried various treatments, including over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments, but nothing provided sustained relief.

After a detailed assessment of Mr. Dorman’s medical history and existing health, we discussed his goals for treatment and answered all of his questions about chiropractic care. He did not have a migraine during his appointment, so we focused on addressing some of the common factors related to his headaches and takeaways for preventing migraines going forward.

Mr. Dorman spent long hours at a desk job and admitted that his posture became more and more slumped as the hours went by. He learned about postural awareness and discovered adjustments he could implement to be more mindful of his stance throughout the day.

Another part of preventing his migraine pain is regular chiropractic treatments in our office.

• Spinal Adjustments: Manual technique to correct alignment of the vertebrae to reduce strain and overuse.
• Manual Therapy: Reduce muscle tension with controlled pressure on soft tissues.
• Corrective Exercises: Strengthen targeted muscles to support the spine and correct muscle imbalance and weakness.
• Nutritional Counseling: Our chiropractors offer nutritional advice and may recommend dietary changes that could help reduce headache frequency, especially in cases related to diet triggers.
• Stress Management: Our team may also incorporate stress reduction techniques into their treatment plans. Stress is a common trigger for tension headaches and migraines, and learning to manage stress can be crucial.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Our experts will also include guidance on lifestyle modifications such as exercise, hydration, and sleep improvement to address contributing factors that trigger or exacerbate headaches.

The results were transformative for Mr. Dorman. He experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of his migraines. Through consistent care and a commitment to maintaining better posture, he regained control over his life.

Don’t suffer through the pain any longer. Discover postural awareness with chiropractic care for migraine relief.