A world without headaches – is that even possible in our new age digital sedentary world?
The modern era, where screens are apart of our daily routines. You’re not alone if you find yourself rubbing your temples after a long day of scrolling through your phone, binging your favourite show or working tirelessly at your desk. Our constant exposure to screens, be it phones, tablets, or computers, can wreak havoc on our heads.
The Sedentary Strain: How Sitting Affects Us
You’re at your desk, buried under a mountain of work, hunched over your keyboard for hours on end. While your dedication is commendable, your posture might be another story altogether. It is estimated that adults are sedentary for approximately 8 hours each day – with this time only increasing for those who take longer commutes, watch television or have desk jobs.
See, our bodies aren’t designed to sit for hours on end, yet that’s precisely what many of us do day in and day out, it is the nature of the modern work world for most of us.
When we slouch and slump at our desks, we’re not just inviting back pain—we’re also setting the stage for headaches to come knocking at our door. It is this stillness that does us a disservice, our bodies are made to move and we aren’t getting it enough.
Simply, most of us want to be active and want to be healthy, yet the place we spend most of our time – the workplace – is generally the least likely place to benefit our health. We are now realising that small movement, even something as simple of alternating between sitting and standing can actually make a difference to the way we feel, move, stay more alert, feel less fatigued and allow us to take steps towards our health goals.
Battling Digital Eye Strain
Eyes glued to the screen, scrolling endlessly through social media feeds or typing away furiously on our keyboards, its our new daily routine. But all that screen time can wreak havoc on not only our eyes but our overall health. According to the American Optometric Association, the usage of digital devices continuously for two hours is enugh to bring about digital eye strain. You can experience anything from tired and dry eyes, blurred vision or headaches.
Of course, there are things we can do – taking regular breaks to rest your eyes, adjusting your screen’s brightness and contrast settings, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (look away from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds) can all help alleviate the strain on your eyes and, in turn, your head.
In conclusion, while our modern lifestyle may have its perks, it’s also important to recognize the impact it can have on our health, particularly when it comes to headaches. By being mindful of our screen time and prioritizing movement, we can help minimize the frequency and severity of those pesky headaches, allowing us to fully enjoy all the wonders of the digital age without the added pain.
The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments
The World Health Organisation has reported that, globally, headache disorders affect approximately 40% of the population, or 3.1 billion people in 2021, and are more common in females compared to males. So it is evidently an issue, a large issue that people need help managing – that where we come in.
As chiropractors through gentle adjustments, we work to refine the nervous the system, relieve tension in the muscles, and restore balance to the body. By targeting the root cause of your headaches and migraines, rather than just masking the symptoms with medication, chiropractic care can offer a long-term solution for to help manage the frequency and intensity of those modern day headaches.
Beyond the Adjustments
But chiropractic care isn’t just about cracking backs and popping joints (although, let’s be honest, that part can be pretty satisfying!). It’s also about taking a holistic approach to health and wellness. We incorporate other techniques such as soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and lifestyle advice to address underlying issues and get you steps closer to your goal.
Self Care Strategies
Reducing Blue Light Exposure: Blue Light Filters and Tech-Free Zones
Research suggests that blue light emitted by screens can strain the eyes and contribute to headaches. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health concluded that blue light exposure from digital devices can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate headache symptoms. Utilizing blue light filters, whether through specialized glasses or software applications, helps minimize exposure and alleviate eye strain. Additionally, designating tech-free zones in living spaces reduces overall screen time, benefiting both eye health and headache prevention.
Prioritizing Ergonomics: Creating a Comfortable Workspace
Ergonomic factors play a crucial role in digital wellness, with studies showing that poor posture and improper workstation setup can lead to body aches, pain and headaches. According to a report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ergonomic interventions, such as using adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs, can significantly reduce the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Investing in an ergonomic chair that supports proper posture and positioning screens at eye level reduces strain on the neck and shoulders. Incorporating regular breaks for stretching and movement maintains circulation and minimizes headache-inducing tension. By prioritizing ergonomics, individuals can create a comfortable and conducive workspace that promotes overall well-being, reduces the likelihood of headache and also boosts your productivity.
That all said…
It’s undeniable that headaches are not only common but have a huge impact on peopl’s lives. Headaches are not just a minor inconvenience; they significantly disrupt productivity, hinder performance, and diminish overall quality of life. When you experience a life without headaches it is only then you realise how disruptive they have been. Through recognising the importance of managing headaches effectively and by implementing practical strategies such as tech free zones or time windows, blue light filters, finding ways to stay active and ergonomic work stations it is possible to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Key Takeaways
- Headaches are very common affecting approximately 40% of the population globally.
- The use of technology and our increasing sedentary lifestyles can increase the presence of aches, pains and of course headaches.
- Chiropractic, monitoring your screen exposure, limiting or filtering blue light, finding ways to stay more active at work can all make a difference.
