Postural Headaches

I have seen a number of people recently who suffer postural headaches. In the society we live in where so many people work at a desk in front of a computer monitor, this is not much of a surprise. Computer work leads to a forward head posture that causes mechanical complaints to emanate from the sub-occipital region.

Ideal posture is defined this way:

• The head should rest over the shoulder girdle rather than forward
  
• The shoulder girdle should be depressed and retracted rather than elevated and protracted
• The sub-occipital region should be flexed and relaxed rather than compressed and stressed
• The Sternocleidomastoid muscle should be oriented backward rather than vertical
• The Upper Trapezius should be more vertical rather than horozontal

The causes of postural headaches could be many. For example:

• Trigger points in one or more cervical spine muslces refer pain to the head
• The TMJ might be upset which in turn can cause musculoskeletal headaches as well
• The sub-occipital joints can refer pain to the head
• Entrapment of a sensory nerve in the sub-occipital can refer pain to the head
• Bruxism or grinding of the teeth can refer pain the the head, especially if the Temporalis muscle is irritated by the process.

Postural Correction

The key to reducing your headaches, if they are postural by nature, is to improve your posture. catch yourself with your head out in front of you, and try to retract your head by elevating your chest and bringing your head over your shoulder girdle.

In that position, do very gentle chin tucks repetitively to gently unload the sub-occipital region.

Also, get some aerobic exercise to help the neck muscles relax