4 Easy Lifestyle Changes To Beat Chronic Headaches

 

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Chronic headaches can really get in the way of your life. We all get a headache from time to time, but if you're getting them every day, it's impossible to concentrate on anything. If you head to the doctor, they can prescribe medication to manage the pain. However, you need to consider the reason for the headaches in the first place. Sometimes, it's down to an underlying health condition but, more often than not, it's down to your lifestyle.

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These are some of the big lifestyle changes that can help you manage chronic headaches. 

Drink More Water

Dehydration is a common cause of chronic headaches. The human body is about 60% water, so it's vital that you drink enough to keep yourself well hydrated. You should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day - that's around 4 liters. If you stay well-hydrated, you may notice a big reduction in your headaches. 

Stay Away From Screens

We spend so much of our time looking at screens but it's a good idea to take a break if you get regular headaches. Staring at a screen for hours isn't great for your eyesight and strained eyes can lead to headaches. It also encourages you to hunch over the screen, which can be bad for your neck and shoulders. Tightness in the muscles of the back and neck is a common cause of headaches. So, try taking breaks from screens as much as possible. This can be difficult if you need a computer for work but when you're not working, resist the urge to stare at your phone for hours on end. 

Deal With Musculoskeletal Issues

Many chronic headaches are caused by problems with the muscles of the neck and shoulders. This is why they're often called 'tension headaches'. We all get a bit tense from time to time but if you deal with any issues that are causing tension in your upper body, you can often avoid getting a headache. It's really important to have a good posture so make sure you sit up straight at your desk or when using technology. You should also think about going for walks more often - making sure your head is positioned correctly helps to release muscle tension in the back and neck. If you have serious musculoskeletal issues, consider speaking to professional chiropractors for help. Studies show that chiropractic work is one of the most effective ways to relieve tension, boost your immunity, and give you long-term relief from chronic headaches. 

Manage Your Stress

Stress is another very common cause of headaches. We all get stressed out from time to time but some people are under added pressure. When you're constantly on edge, the muscles of your upper body can become very tense. This can cause pain in the neck and shoulders - which leads to headaches. If you deal with the root cause of the stress (for example by speaking to someone if you feel like work is getting too much), you'll be able to relieve tension in your muscles. As well as this, try relaxing with meditation or yoga. Yoga helps the body find a state of calm where it's less likely to suffer from chronic pain - including headaches. 

Taking medication for chronic headaches just masks the problem. These lifestyle changes will help you deal with it properly.