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Can Staring Too Long at A Computer Screen Cause Migraines?

Many consider the internet as the pinnacle of all technological advancements. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic when all the knowledge of the world and beyond are at our fingertips? We spend hours on end on our smartphones and computers, trying to learn all that we can.

Indeed, technology has come a long way and provides us with what we need. However, we cannot confidently say that computers only create positive things. For example, staying in front of our computers for a long time can trigger migraine attacks.

Several patients who look for migraine relief in Cape Coral complain of episodes following hours of staring at a computer screen.

In this blog, we’ll talk about why this happens. We’ll also list other migraine triggers so that you’ll know what to do to prevent migraine episodes from occurring. Lastly, we’ll share a natural care method that can help you find relief from migraines.

 

Why Is Working at A Computer Bad for Migraines?

Getting migraines is a bothersome predicament if you ask the patients who have it. Not only does it make you feel weak and tired from the pounding and painful headaches, but it also makes you unproductive.

The prevalence of migraines led researchers to conduct studies in the hopes of understanding this condition better. Aside from the pulsating headaches, they discovered several telling signs of migraine attacks, such as:

  • Sensitivity to bright lights, loud noise, and foul odors
  • Nausea and an urge to vomit
  • Vertigo
  • Dizziness
  • Neck pain
  • Seeing “auras” or visual disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings

Besides these symptoms, researchers also found out that staring at computer screens for too long can cause migraine episodes. There are two possible reasons why this is a trigger for migraines:

Your screen’s brightness is too high.

Believe it or not– a bright computer screen does not only strain the eyes. As mentioned earlier, if you’re experiencing migraines, you’re pretty much sensitive to brightness.

We advise that you avert your eyes from the computer screen every 20 minutes or so to avoid straining your eyes.

However, if you have no choice but to stay in front of the screen and you want to prevent migraines from occurring, keep the brightness level at moderate or install a Bluelight filter app to soften the brightness.

Your monitor is below your eye level.

When you’re working at a computer that’s positioned way too low, you’re probably looking down. Slouching in front of your desk all day can add excess tension to your neck and may result in a neck misalignment.

When misalignments in your neck exist, these can impede blood flow to your brain. Poor blood flow to the brain often equates to terrible headaches. And these headaches can progress into a full-blown migraine attack.

 

What Are the Other Triggers for Migraines?

People experience varying severity of migraines. So perhaps, it’s safe to assume that they also have different triggers for their episodes.

Those who seek migraine relief in Cape Coral reported getting migraines after being exposed to specific things. Here are six common triggers for migraines:

#1. Caffeine

Depending on your caffeine sensitivity, coffee can either make or break your day if you have migraines. For some people, drinking coffee can suppress their migraine attacks. However, others experience worse migraines when consuming caffeine-rich products.

#2. Poor Diet

If you like to skip meals or eat more processed foods, you’re at a higher risk of getting migraines. Processed foods are full of preservatives that can bring about terrible headaches. Neglecting to drink enough water can also lead to horrible migraine episodes.

#3. Too Much Stress

Anything too much often leads to a negative outcome. For example, excess stress can trigger migraine attacks. If you constantly feel anxious or stressed, consider trying out stress-relieving activities. Yoga and walking are the usual top picks. However, you can try out any other relaxing hobby to manage your stress levels.

#4. Poor Sleeping Habits

Sleeping is another way to relieve stress. However, poor sleeping habits can do more harm than good to your migraines. If you get persistent migraines, sleeping on your back may be beneficial for you. As much as possible, keep yourself away from distractions at night so that you can get sufficient hours of sleep.

#5. Hormonal Fluctuations

Constant hormonal changes are natural, especially for women. Dealing with menstrual pain and bleeding is an already challenging part of a woman’s life. But did you know that hormones are also responsible for these pains? These hormonal changes are also why women experience more migraines than men.

#6. Environmental Changes

Many patients who search for migraine relief in Cape Coral claim that weather changes trigger their migraine attacks, especially this summer. Not everyone is susceptible– however, changes in humidity, lighting, and even noise may contribute to painful migraines.

 

We Offer Migraine Relief in Cape Coral 

Going back to how using the computer for too long causes migraines, did you notice that the second reason involves the neck?

The neck is a complex body part consisting of muscles, bones, ligaments, and joints. These components, together, support the head, which usually weighs 11 lbs on average.

Imagine craning your neck to meet your screen for an entire day at work. You might think that it’s nothing, and you’re used to it. But, did you know that for every inch you place your head forward, you put 10 lbs of additional tension to your neck? So, if you crane your head 3 inches lower, your neck’s basically carrying a weight similar to a corgi’s.

If you do not correct this practice, you might develop neck misalignments, leading to migraines.

Suppose you do have an unchecked neck misalignment. Have no worries– upper cervical chiropractors can help you.

At Corrective Spinal Care of Florida, we know that migraines cause unspeakable pain. So, we would like to extend our upper cervical chiropractic expertise to you. If you call us at 239-766-6821 today, we can further explain the gentle and highly accurate technique our doctors use to correct neck misalignments.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation, call our Cape Coral office at 239-766-6821, or you can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

Helping every patient experience a life free from pain and suffering is our number one mission at our practice.

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