Computer Use and Headaches: Are They Linked? 💻

Almost every patient I treat with neck pain will often have an associated headache that feels like it is being caused by the neck pain. Today I’m going to be talking about cervicogenic headaches, a very common headache that most patients may think is tension or sinus headache.

A cervicogenic headache starts from the neck and radiates all the way into the head, usually on one side. The pain can extend into the forehead, temple, and around the eyes and ears.

What can trigger this type of headache?

Most commonly these headaches are caused by neck conditions such as:

• Degenerative osteoarthritis

• Whiplash injuries

• Disc herniations

• Sleeping awkwardly

• Pinched nerves

• Falls

• Sport injuries

• Posture

One of the most common causes that I see with patients I treat is their posture while sitting or standing at work. I find that patients who drive a lot or who sit for long periods of time in front of a computer screen unknowingly push their chin forward which puts their head out in front of their body. Over time this puts a lot of strain on the upper spinal joints and the base of the skull which triggers the headache.

How do you treat this type of headache?

Chiropractic manipulations are an excellent way to release tightness in the upper spinal joints allowing mobility to be restored. Other treatments include muscle spasm release through massage or dry-needling, as well as stretching exercises that can be useful to treat the headache. The most important thing is to work at improving your posture so the headaches do not come back over time. Simple strengthening exercises like the chin tuck are great for long-term improvement.

What is a Chin tuck exercise?

A chin tuck is one of the easiest ways to reduce pressure in the upper neck and base of the skull, it also strengthens the deeper neck muscles so they become strong enough to hold the weight of the head.

Place two fingers on your chin and simply push the chin back to create a double chin. You will feel the pressure building up at the base of your skull as the muscles become activated. Hold the contraction for about 5 seconds and release. Try to do 3 sets 3-4x a day!

Remember, being in pain is not a natural state for your body, it’s a sign that something is not functioning properly.

I hope you found this article helpful, if you have any questions about this exercise or if you have a specific topic you would like me to discuss please feel free to let me know by commenting below.

I hope you always have a pain-free day!

Dr. Tina