You're almost to the end of your work day and you feel the familiar ache of another headache coming on. You pop a few over-the-counter pain pills and continue on with your day. If this sounds like a typical day in your life, you may be suffering from cervicogenic headaches. These annoying headaches actually start in the neck. They can be triggered by incorrect sitting posture, stress, or excessive tension in the upper back and neck.

Symptoms of cervicogenic headaches

Pain that begins on one or both sides of the neck and radiates to the head is typical. It is not usually a stabbing or throbbing pain. However, it can be very intense in nature and is often described as a dull ache. The neck itself feels tight and stiff. You may find it difficult to rotate your neck from side to side. This is especially noticeable when you are driving and find it difficult to look to the left or right at a stop sign. The pain is worse when you keep your head in one position for long periods of time, such as sitting at the computer. Texting and reading with the head in a downward position may also trigger pain.

Stopping the pain before it starts

If you work at a desk job, take frequent breaks to stretch and move. Be aware of your posture when walking and sitting. Learn to sit up straight, and avoid the temptation to slump forward when typing or working at your desk. Posture awareness is something you may need to remind yourself of. It's easy to develop poor posture habits and not even realize it. Write yourself a note to sit up straight and keep it where you can see it.

Check your eyes

Visit your eye doctor to have your vision checked. Eyestrain can lead to neck strain. If you are squinting to see the computer screen, this puts strain on the neck muscles and may trigger headaches. Straining to see the words in a book or magazine puts the head and neck in a poorly aligned position and may cause tension on neck joints, nerves, and muscles. Correcting your vision problems is important if you want to eliminate head and neck pain.

Be careful how you sleep

Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your back or on your side is the best position if you are prone to cervicogenic headaches. Make sure to invest in a good pillow that will support proper alignment of the neck and head. Avoid falling asleep in an upright position on the sofa where your head falls forward. You've probably experienced the misery of waking up with a stiff neck due to sleeping in a strange position. Learn to listen to your body, and go to bed when you feel tired.

You should never assume headaches are a natural part of life. Headaches are a sign that something is wrong. You should schedule an appointment with your physician if you suffer from frequent headaches to rule out serious disorders as the cause. Once your doctor has ruled out physiological causes for your headaches, you can implement lifestyle changes to see if you can obtain relief from your headaches. Physical therapy may also be recommended, or an adjustment from a chiropractor at a clinic like Davidson Chiropractic Clinic.

Be aware of your posture at all times. Develop good sleep habits. Learn healthy techniques for coping with the stress in your life. These simple steps may be your ticket to experiencing headache-free work days and a life free from pain.