Tension Headaches and Dry Fall Air: Tips from a Centennial Chiropractor
Fall in Centennial brings crisp mornings, dry air, and furnaces kicking on for the first time. It is also when a lot of people notice more headaches, the dull, band-like kind that wraps around the forehead or settles at the base of the skull. Most of these are tension-type headaches, and a few everyday habits can make a real difference.
Why headaches pick up this time of year
At our altitude the air is already dry, and indoor heat dries it out even more. Many of us drink less water once the weather cools, and mild dehydration is a common headache trigger. Add shorter days, more screen time, and shoulders that creep up toward the ears when it is cold outside, and the muscles of the neck and upper back stay tight for hours at a time.
Five simple habits that help
- Keep a water bottle in sight. Sip through the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty, and add a little extra on days you exercise or spend time in the mountains.
- Run a humidifier at night. A bedroom humidifier can ease dry sinuses and help you wake up feeling less stiff and stuffy.
- Bring your screen up to eye level. Looking down at a laptop or phone loads the neck. Raise the screen and pull your chin gently back. Our tech neck page has more on this.
- Drop your shoulders every hour. Set a reminder to stand, roll your shoulders back, and take three slow breaths. Try our best stretch for neck tension while you are up.
- Keep a steady routine. Regular sleep, regular meals, and a daily walk outside in the sunshine all help keep headaches from stacking up.
How chiropractic care can help
Tension headaches often travel with stiff joints and tight muscles in the upper neck. At Maximized Health we start with a thorough exam to find out what is driving your headaches, then use gentle chiropractic adjustments, massage, and simple home exercises to help the neck move well again. You can read more on our headaches and migraines page, and if desk work is part of the picture, see our post on neck pain and desk tension.
When to see a doctor right away
A sudden, severe headache that feels like the worst of your life, a headache after a head injury, or one that comes with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, vision changes, weakness, or trouble speaking needs immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Our team helps people from Centennial and across the south Denver metro feel better and stay active, and we are grateful for 500+ five-star Google reviews from local families. If headaches keep interrupting your week, call (303) 462-4476 or visit us at 7384 S Alton Way Suite 102, Centennial, CO 80112. Here is what to expect on your first visit.