What causes tension headaches, and how can you treat them? This article provides information on prevention and treatment methods for tension headaches.
Tension Headache and Treatment
Tension headaches are very common. They cause mild to moderate pain and mostly die out on their own. However, different ways of treating them can help reduce the pain.
You can effectively treat tension headaches using over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen or aspirin. If these do not work, you can also take prescription medications. Alternatively, you can use therapies such as massage or acupuncture. A doctor may recommend surgery in the event of severe cases to relieve the pressure on the nerves that cause tension headaches.
This article looks at the details of how to handle tension headaches and ensure they do not escalate to interfere with your normal lifestyle.
How Dangerous Is Tension Headache?
According to the National Institutes of Health, tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Unfortunately, many people with tension headaches never see a doctor for their pain.
The headaches usually cause a dull, aching pain on both sides of your head. The pain might feel like it's pressing or squeezing your head. You might also have a headache that feels like it's wrapped around your head like a band.
Some other experiences of tension headaches include:
Neck pain or stiffness
Jaw pain
Shoulder pain
Fatigue
Insomnia
Pressure in your head
Tension headaches can be short-lived, episodic, or chronic. The episodic ones happen not more than 15 days a month, while chronic ones happen for over15 days a month, averaging 3 months.
Most tension headaches are not dangerous. But some people with chronic tension headaches can have other health problems. These include depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
What Causes Tension Headache?
There are numerous potential causes of tension headaches, and more than one factor can often contribute to their development. These factors include:
Muscular tension or imbalances in the neck and shoulders. That can be due to posture problems, work-related stress, or other factors.
Joint problems in the neck or upper back.
Trigger points, which are knots of muscle tissue that can develop in response to repetitive motions or other types of stress.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Eyestrain or other vision problems.
Stress, both psychological and physical.
Sleep problems or disruptions.
Hormonal effects, for example, during menstruation or menopause.
Medications include over-the-counter pain relievers, some antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
Caffeine withdrawal.
Food sensitivities or allergies.
Environmental forces that include bright lights or loud noises.
While tension headaches can be annoying and disruptive, they are usually not serious. However, if you experience frequent or severe tension headaches, it is important to see your doctor to rule out other potential causes.
How to Treat Tension Headache
There are many ways to treat tension headaches, and the best method may vary from person to person.
Some common methods include:
Over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Relaxation techniques.
Massage.
Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can effectively relieve the pain of a tension headache. However, in case this treatment fails to provide relief, there are also a number of prescription medications that you can use. Among them are tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine.
You can also relieve the pain of tension headaches by using yoga and meditation techniques that help you relax. Alternatively, you can do a massage, which can be helpful as it releases the tension that is often a common cause of tension headaches.
If you suffer from tension headaches regularly, it is important to see a doctor and ensure other serious factors aren't the cause of your headache. Once a diagnosis of tension headaches is made, your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.
How to Prevent Tension Headache
If you suffer from tension headaches, you know how important it is to find ways to prevent them.
The following are good measures you can take to prevent tension headaches.
First, it is important to manage stress since it is a major trigger. Managing stress may involve changing your lifestyle, such as simplifying your schedule or learning to say no to commitments that are not truly important. It may also involve using relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Second, it is important to get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common trigger for tension headaches, so ensure you get enough rest. That means sleeping at the right hour and waking up at the same time each day. It also means limiting your exposure to bright lights and noise in the evening so you can wind down before bed.
Third, it is important to eat a healthy diet. Certain foods can trigger tension headaches, so it is important to be aware of your triggers and avoid them. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, and MSG.
Finally, it is important to stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common trigger for tension headaches, so ensure you drink enough water throughout the day.
