Migraines are a prevalent neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized by recurring headaches, which can be disabling and impact an individual’s quality of life. There are several factors that can contribute to migraines, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, recent research has suggested that postural imbalances, particularly in the head and neck regions, may also play a significant role in the development and management of migraines.
One study, “Body Posture Changes in Women with Migraine with or without Temporomandibular Disorders,” found that individuals with migraines have altered body posture, particularly in the head and neck regions. The study also suggests that individuals with migraines who have temporomandibular disorders may have more severe postural imbalances. Another study, “Relationship between Forward Head Posture and Headache-Related Disability in Migraine,” investigated the relationship between forward head posture and headache-related disability in individuals with migraines. The study found that individuals with more severe forward head posture had significantly higher levels of headache-related disability than those with milder forward head posture.
The findings of these studies are supported by other research that suggests that postural imbalances can contribute to migraines. For example, a study by Torelli et al. found that individuals with migraines had greater cervical mobility limitations and lower cervical extensor muscle endurance compared to healthy controls. Another study by Fernandez-de-Las-Penas et al. found that individuals with migraines had higher levels of forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis compared to healthy controls.
However, research has also suggested that postural corrective exercises may be beneficial for individuals with migraines. One study by Chaibi et al. found that a 12-week postural corrective exercise program led to significant improvements in headache frequency and intensity in individuals with migraines. Another study by Kasai et al. found that a 6-week exercise program that targeted postural correction and relaxation led to significant reductions in headache frequency, intensity, and duration in individuals with migraines.
These findings suggest that addressing postural imbalances, particularly in the head and neck regions, may be an important adjunct to traditional migraine treatments, such as medication and lifestyle modifications. Postural corrective exercises may be a useful tool in managing migraines, particularly in individuals with forward head posture and other postural imbalances. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the long-term effects of postural corrective exercises on migraine management.
In conclusion, postural imbalances, particularly in the head and neck regions, may contribute to migraine-related disability in individuals. Addressing these postural imbalances through postural corrective exercises may be an important adjunct to traditional migraine treatments. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, and dentists may be necessary to manage migraines in individuals with postural imbalances.
References:
- de Oliveira D, Dach F, Bigal ME, Speciali JG. Body Posture Changes in Women with Migraine with or without Temporomandibular Disorders. Clin J Pain. 2014;30(12):1073-1077.
- Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Alonso-Blanco C, Cuadrado M, Gerwin R, Pareja J. Forward head posture and neck mobility in chronic tension-type headache: A blinded, controlled study. Cephalalgia. 2006;26(3):314-319.
- Torelli P, Manzoni GC.
