Migraines can be incredibly disruptive, affecting everything from work to family life. Achieving lasting migraine relief isn’t just about medication – everyday habits and spinal health play a major role in how often migraines occur.
Here are five common mistakes that may be making your migraines worse and some natural ways to help prevent them.
1. Poor Posture at the Desk
Spending hours hunched over a computer or phone places constant strain on your upper neck and shoulder muscles. This tension can irritate the nerves connected to your head, setting the stage for migraine pain.
Try keeping your screen at eye level, sitting tall, and taking regular breaks to stretch or move. Even small posture corrections can ease pressure on your nervous system.
2. Skipping Meals
Low blood sugar is a common migraine trigger. When you skip meals, your brain doesn’t get the steady supply of fuel it needs. Keep healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, or yogurt handy to avoid sudden energy dips.
3. Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine is a double-edged sword. In moderation, it can relieve headaches; too much or sudden withdrawal can bring one on. Keep your intake consistent and avoid relying heavily on coffee or energy drinks for focus.
4. Inconsistent Sleep
Sleep is essential for your brain and nervous system to reset. Irregular sleep patterns increase sensitivity to pain and tension. Aim for consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends, to keep your system in balance.
5. Dehydration
Even mild dehydration can impact blood flow and nerve function two key factors in migraine onset. Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re active or working in air-conditioned spaces.
Why Your Spine Matters
One area often overlooked in migraine management is spinal alignment, particularly in the upper neck. The top two vertebrae – the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) – sit just beneath the skull and protect the brainstem. When these bones move out of alignment, they can affect how nerves and blood vessels communicate between the brain and body.
Chiropractic adjustments gently restore proper movement in this area, reducing nerve irritation and helping your body handle migraine triggers more effectively.
Healthy habits are the foundation for migraine prevention but for lasting relief, it’s important to make sure your spine and nervous system are functioning at their best.
If you suffer from migraines, a chiropractic assessment could help uncover underlying imbalances contributing to your symptoms.
Healthy habits + a well-aligned spine = fewer migraines and a healthier you.
