I meant my suggestions to be taken while you are at your computer for 9 hours at a time.
If you are already going to the gym, maybe you can find a yoga class to attend regularly. You will "teach" your body to have better posture.
I believe periodic yoga stretches and eye exercises would be very beneficial. Set a timer for every 1/2 hour or so and do quick yoga and/or eye movements. EYES: pretend your face is the face of a clock. Stretch your eyes WAY to the right, then left, then up and down - make circles with your gaze - both directions - focus on something near, then far - squint your eyes closed, tightly, then relax and close them for 10 or 15 breaths. You can find "office yoga" poses on an online search :)
Hi,
Was your doctor able to classify the headache?
Differentials would be a musculoskeletal pain that may involve the TMJ, cervicogenic headaches that involve the cervical spine , neuralgic pain and the more common migraines and tension headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches are usually given to headaches with known involvement of the spine. Neuralgia secondary to occipital or trigeminal nerve involvement are usually severe and paroxysmal. Tension headaches are usually bilateral and may be nonpulsating associated with shoulder and neck muscle tightness. The common migraine is usually one sided and may be throbbing or pulsating in character. This may be associated with light sensitivity and noise sensitivity.
Try to rest your eyes after long hours in the computer.Do somethng different after sitting for hours and working. A stroll in the afternoon, reading a magazine after an hour of computer work, listening to soothing music or a warm bath at the end of the day may help. Stress may present as headaches, abdominal pains etc.
There seems to be no cause of alarm here. A bigger seat with good back rest is important for someone your height. The back has to support the neck muscles. A warm compress over the shoulders and neck muscles may help relax and sooth you.
Keep us posted regarding your physician's consult. It is good to have a proper baseline assessment.
Must also clarify:
I'm on a computer pretty much 9 hours a day, and I don't think my posture is very good. I've had a slightly stiff neck on the right side (when I turn it all the way). I've also been going to the gym for the past two months 3 times a week. Usually pretty intensive stuff. I'm slightly overweight for my height - 180 @ 5' 10" - but I've been losing weight (from gym).