Has a tension headache through your temples or in your eyes ever halted your daily routine?
What about pain or soreness in your neck?
If you struggle with tension headaches or neck pain, try this stretch.
It’ll help alleviate the cause of your pain and let you get back to tackling your busy day.
Alleviating a Tension Headache
In the video below, Physical Therapist Chris Ponichtera, PT DPT, explains how poor posture plays a role in tension headaches and shows you a simple stretch to ease tension and alleviate pain.
As a society, we’re sitting more than ever.
Whether it’s at a desk, in the car, or in front of the television, sitting for extended periods of time takes its toll on the body – especially the neck.
The more we sit, the more we lean forward and exhibit poor posture through our neck, shoulders, and back.
In our neck, we have seven vertebrae and several nerves. This area is known as our cervical spine.
When we exhibit poor posture or sit with our head forward, the nerves in the cervical spine are compressed. This compression causes surrounding muscles to tighten, triggering pain that can shoot over the skull, through the the temples, and into the eyes.
This pain is what we typically refer to as a tension headache.
If you experience tension headaches, a chin tuck stretch can help alleviate compression and provide relief.
To correctly perform a chin tuck, sit or stand up nice and tall.
Pretending like your head is on a swivel, gently press your chin downward, giving yourself a double chin. Hold for one to two seconds, then release. Repeat for 10 to 20 repetitions.
Don’t let tension or pain disrupt your routine.
If you’re struggling with tension headaches or pain in your neck and want a more personalized approach to finding relief, our Physical and Occupational Therapists can help.
Treatment is covered by insurance, no referral is needed to start, and with flexible appointments, you can find a time that works with your busy schedule.
Call 716-458-1990 or click the button below to schedule at one of our convenient locations throughout Western New York.
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