Can Bad Posture Cause Migraine?

Can bad posture trigger migraine? It could, for those who are susceptible to it. Poor posture exerts pressure on certain muscles and fascia (the tissue covering the muscle), which can foster the onset of migraine.

Migraine

Migraine is a disorder which causes discomfort and pain. In the US, it has been seen to affect approximately 20% of women and 7% of men.  According to migraine sufferers, migraines are intense headaches with pounding or pulsating pain on one side of the head. Vertigo, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light or sound too has been experienced.

How Does Poor Posture Induce Migraine?

Poor posture causes tension in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Consequently, this can result in headaches or worse still, migraines. A headache caused by tension or stress has been described to feel like a clamp around the temples or the back of the head and neck. Migraines are also known as tension headaches, and correcting posture may help relieve the tension that contributes to migraines.

What Are The Most Frequent Forms Of Poor Posture?

Give attention to your posture whether you are seated at your workstation or are browsing social media at home. Improperly positioned muscles due to poor posture could trigger migraines.

If you suffer from posture-induced migraines, you should consider correcting three common types of incorrect posture:

Forward Neck

It is common and experiential knowledge that constantly looking down at the phone is harmful to the neck. Due to excessive usage of the phone, stiffness in the neck, upper back, and vertebra is prevalent. The best and highly advisable position of the neck is upright, with the ears aligned with the shoulders and hips.

Shoulder Blades

Rounded shoulders are a common occurrence at the workplace. You could be seated with a monitor or laptop which is too low or, you could be slouching forward or hunching over the workstation. This position, also known as “The Laptop Syndrome,” has been linked to muscle atrophy and back tension due to overcompensation. Ensuring that your workstation is properly positioned and that you have a supportive chair could be of great help.

Shoulder Elevation

The natural response to stress is contraction of muscles. When muscles tighten due to tension, the shoulders frequently become elevated or rigid. You cannot have realized this for hours until you are already suffering a migraine. Being conscious of your body’s response to stress can reduce muscle tension. If you spend a great deal of time on calls, your shoulders could also be elevated, which too leads to muscular tension, leading to migraine. A common habit when over a call, is to elevate one shoulder to the ear. Migraines caused by poor posture can be alleviated by avoiding this habit as elevating one shoulder to the ear can result in intense muscle contraction and severe pain.

Posture Tips

1. Sit right

Good posture is essential for office and home workers. Migraines are mostly associated with neck dysfunction.

Sit with your head and neck straight. Don’t cross your legs or sit on your feet. Use an armrest to support your arms and elbows and maintain your wrists neutral. Sit with your hips and back supported. Use a tiny rolled towel behind your lower back to reduce the chair-back gap.

2. Recover

Recovery poses help in relieving tension, headaches and physical stress.

Recovery pose:

• Lay on your back with your knees bent and gently clasp your hands behind your head and neck.
• Relax your elbows toward the floor until you feel a gentle stretch.
• Relax and breathe.
• Hold for 1 to 2 minutes (or as much is comfortable), raising the elbows for breaks.
• Stop if you feel a headache coming.

3. Get a workspace

Working from home or working virtually allows you to customize your workspace. Instead of attending virtual meetings sitting on the bed or couch, use a desk or a chair. Set your laptop or monitor below eye level. Move books and smaller electronic items to the eye level. Use cases or stands when possible. Keep frequently-needed items handy.

The Healers’ Clinic offers migraine treatment in Dubai and a comprehensive approach to treating bad posture issues. Along with advice on avoiding future posture issues, Massage therapy and Acupuncture are a few of the non-invasive and effective treatments we provide.