Causes, Symptoms And The Right Definition Of Tension Headache

Most headaches are tension headaches. These headaches tend to happen again and again, especially if you are under stress. They are not usually a sign of something serious but they can be very painful and hard to live with especially if you are approaching menopause. You will not only deal with unpleasant menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats but also the dreaded side effects of tension headaches. Doctors don't know for sure what causes tension headaches. Experts once thought that tension or spasms in the muscles of your neck, face, and head played a role. Now they think a change in brain chemicals may also be a cause. Symptoms of tension headaches include: * A headache that is constant, not throbbing. You usually feel the pain or pressure on both sides of your head; * Pressure that makes you feel like your head is in a vise; * Aching pain at your temples or the back of your head and neck. Tension headache is different than migraine headaches, which usually cause throbbing pain and start on one side of your head. Tension headaches tend to come back, especially when you are under stress. They can last from 30 minutes to several days. Usually,pain from a tension headache is not severe and does not get in the way of your work or social life. But for some people the pain is very bad or lasts a long time. You have chronic tension headaches if they occur at leasts 15 days a month. A doctor can usually diagnose tension headaches by asking you questions about your health and lifestyle and by examining you. Most people can treat their tension headaches with pain relievers that you buy without a prescription, like aspirin. But if you take these pain relievers more than 3 times a week, you may get rebound headaches. Rebound headaches are different from tension headaches. They usually start after pain medicine has worn off, which leads you to take another dose. Eventually you get a headache whenever you stop taking the medicine. Some people have chronic tension headaches. This means they often get headaches. Doctors may prescribe stronger pain medicine for these people. Even with treatment, however, most people still have some headaches. But with treatment, you will probably have them less often. And when you do get them, they probably won't be as bad. Home treatment may help you avoid headaches. Learn how to handle stress. Make sure you sleep, exercise, and eat on a regular schedule. Check your posture. Do not strain your eyes when you use your computer. Get treatment for depression or anxiety. Try keeping a headache diary. Every time you get a headache, jot down the date, the hour, and what you were doing and feeling before your headache started. This may help you and your physician find out what is causing your headaches so you can get the right treatment.

At-Home Treatment For Tension Headache

Tension headaches, the most common form of head pain and can either be chronic or episodic. When they occur for 15-plus days a month, the tension headache is classified as chronic. Pain experienced less than 15 days a month is described as episodic. Two out of three people will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime. Symptoms include: Dull and persistent pain that may vary in intensity, from mild to moderate, and is usually felt on both sides of the head or neck. Some may experience sudden jabs of pain in the head; A constant, tight, heavy or pressing sensation on or around the head; Tautness and tenderness of scalp, neck and shoulder muscles. There are several things you can do at home to reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches. Reducing stress, getting regular exercise, eating right, and learning better ways to manage depression and anxiety may help. Try the following: * Find healthy ways to deal with stress. You may be more likely to get tension headaches during stressful times. * Do relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension and stress, which may help reduce the frequency and duration of tension headaches. * Take medicine as prescribed by your physician to prevent and treat your tension headaches. This will also help you to avoid getting rebound headaches, which can be caused by overusing pain relievers. * Identify your headache triggers and determine whether your headaches are becoming more severe, by keeping a headache diary. * Seek help if you think your tension headaches may be linked to depression or anxiety. Proper treatment of these conditions may reduce the frequency of your headaches, as well as relieve your symptoms of anxiety or depression. If your child has tension headaches, they may be related to stress about school, such as tests, athletic events, dances, or peer pressure. They may also be related to lack of sleep or insomnia. You may want to keep a diary of your child's headaches, to help identify his or her triggers. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your child's headaches. Be sure to let your physician know if your child's headaches are not getting better.

Define Your Tension Headache And Know What Triggers Your Head Pain

"Tension-type" headaches, or tension headaches, are the most common type of headache. About 30 to 80 percent of adults occasionally experience this kind of headache. Tension headaches are more common among women than men. These headaches are sometimes called stress headaches, muscle contraction headaches, daily headaches, or chronic non-progressive headaches. Tension headaches usually begin gradually and often occur in the middle of the day. A tension headache may occur on an episodic basis (less than 15 days per month) or on a chronic basis (daily or more than 15 days per month). Most people with episodic tension headaches have them no more than once or twice a month, but the headaches can occur more frequently. There is no single cause for tension headaches. This type of headache is not an inherited trait that runs in families. In some people, tension headaches are caused by tightened muscles in the back of the neck and scalp. In others, tightened muscles are not part of tension headaches, and the cause is unknown. Tension headaches are usually triggered by some type of environmental or internal stress. The most common sources of stress include family, social relationships, friends, work and school. Episodic tension headaches are usually triggered by an isolated stressful situation such as abdominal pain constipation or a build-up of stress. Daily stress can lead to chronic tension headaches. In mild to moderate tension headaches, there is a constant, band-like pain or pressure that lasts from 30 minutes to all day. Tension headaches tend to be moderate or mild and are rarely severe. Unlike migraines they are not usually unilateral, throbbing or associated with light and sound sensitivity or nausea and vomiting. Other features of tension headaches may include: headache upon awakening, general muscle aches, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, chronic fatigue, irritability, disturbed concentration, mild sensitivity to light or noise, and occasional dizziness. Treatment for this type of headache usually includes nonprescription pain relieves such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Prescription medications may be needed in some cases. Therapies such as stress management or biofeedback may be used in an effort to reduce or prevent tension headaches.

Risks Factors And Triggers For Tension Headache Episodes

Tension-type headaches are the most common headaches. International studies suggest that the prevalence and risk factors are high in any country, in both the East and the West, and in developed and less-developed nations. Evidence suggests that the prevalence of tension headache is as high as 3 percent in the US, Europe, and Asia. According to another study, nearly 40 percent of Americans had at least one episode of tension headaches during the year. And some reports estimate that over 85 percent of women and about 63 percent of men will experience a tension headache at some point during a year. Virtually everyone, then, has at least one tension headache during the course of their lives. Individuals at highest risk for chronic headaches are middle-aged women, Caucasians, and people who are well educated. Surveys indicate that about 3 percent and 5 percent of the general population has chronic tension headache, with the prevalence possibly being higher in women. About 40 percent of people with tension headaches first have them before they are age 20 and another 40 percent first experience them between ages 20 and 40. Most of the remaining headache sufferers first have tension headaches in the decade between ages 40 and 50. Chronic tension headache tends to occur in older adults. The following conditions can make people susceptible to tension headaches: Chronic poor posture; Chronic overwork; Upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds and flu, can produce tension headache. In fact, according to study, tension headaches in children are most often associated with such infections; Sleep disorders. Sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or habitual snoring, are common in all primary headaches. Headache of course can disturb sleep, but sleep disorders may also contribute directly to tension headache, particularly those that occur at night or early morning. (In one study, for example, treating people who have tension headaches for sleep apnea cured the headaches in many cases.) Hypothyroidism, or decreased thyroid function; Dental problems; Allergies in an anti aging skin care products and other allergens; Substance or alcohol abuse; Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ, also called TMD). This is a condition in which there are abnormalities in the jaw joints. TMJ itself can cause headache and it also often coexists with chronic tension headache. And for certain triggers, including the following, may cause headache episodes in people with tension headaches: Specific stressful events; Not eating on time; Fatigue or lack of sleep; Crying. In one study, only stress, anxiety, and menstruation were more important headache triggers in women; Withdrawal from over-used substances (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, pain relievers); Eyestrain; Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity. Athletes are at higher risk of headaches. Patients with tension headaches should not avoid exercise, however. Ordinary levels of physical activity do not usually precipitate these thereby for tension headaches in susceptible people; Certain foods, such as chocolate, cheese, and the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG), are commonly cited as triggers for tension headaches as they are for migraines. Of interest, however, was a study in which chronic headache sufferers were given chocolate and a similar substitute. There was no difference in the effect on headache for either substance. The researches suggested that people may believe chocolate triggers headache because a craving for sweets often precedes a headache; Medication (overuse of headache medications, nitrates, certain antidepressants, some drugs used to cure high blood pressure, and many others.) Hormonal changes, such as specific menstrual phases, in women. Of note, stress, crying, not eating on time, fatigue and lack of sleep are also migraine triggers. Weather conditions, certain smells, smoke, and light, which can set off migraines, are not common triggers for tension headaches.

Headaches: Self-Care Measures For Tension Headache Relief

Nearly everyone experiences occasional tension-type headaches. But frequent tension headaches can interfere with your daily life. Aside from over-the-counter or prescription headache medication, do you wonder what else you can do to stop the pain? The answer may be as simple as taking good care of yourself. The same healthy lifestyle choices that promote good health may reduce the frequency and severity of your tension headaches. Consider the basics, including diet, exercise and relaxation: * Eat Healthy Foods. Don't skip meals especially breakfast. * Exercise Regularly. During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. If your physician agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and jogging are often good choices. But it is important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger some types of headaches. * Get Enough Sleep. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day even on weekends. Relax before you go to bed. If you do not fall asleep within 15 minutes, get up. Read or do your website design Lexington campaign until you become drowsy. Bear in mind that medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants, including some headache medications, may interfere with sleep. * Avoid Excess Caffeine. Sometimes caffeine helps curb headaches. As a matter of fact, many headache medications contain caffeine. But heavy daily caffeine intake - more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about 4 to 7 cups of coffee - can cause headaches and irritability. * Simplify Your Life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out. * Manage Your Time Wisely. Update your to-do list every day - both at work and at home. * Take A Break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand. * Adjust Your Attitude. Stay positive. * Let Go. Do not worry about things you cannot control. * Muscle tension can trigger tension headaches. If you are feeling tense, apply heat or ice to soothe sore neck and shoulder muscles. Use a heating pad set on low, a hot-water bottle, a warm compress or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower may help, too. If you would rather use ice, wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin. Massage also can relieve muscle tension and sometimes headache pain. Gently massage your temples, scalp, neck and shoulders with your fingertips. Or ask someone else to do the honors. * Take Time To Unwind Every Day. Try this deep-breathing exercise: 1) Lie down on your back or sit comfortably with your feet on the floor. 2) Rest one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest. This will help you feel the natural movements of your breathing. 3) Inhale through your nose or mouth while pushing out your abdominal muscles. 4) Slowly exhale while gently relaxing your abdomen. 5) Repeat the cycle several times. It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you are done, sit quietly for a minute or two.

Tension Headache – What Happens

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, hunger, anger, fatigue, overexertion, poor posture, and muscle strain. Tension headaches may come on suddenly or gradually - even you are at work in your SEM campaign project. Prolonged sitting, having poor posture, or eyestrain can also trigger tension-type headaches. The headache may disappear after you relax or take a nonprescription pain reliever. Tension headaches can last anywhere from thirty minutes to seven days. If you have at least 15 tension headaches a month over a 6-month period, you may have chronic tension headaches. Chronic headaches can lead to stress and depression, which in turn can prolong the cycle of headaches. Treatment is available to reduce the frequency and severity of your chronic tension headaches.

Tension Headache - Medication Choices

You doctor may prescribe medicine to both treat and prevent tension-type headaches. He or she may first suggest you to try this gift ideas - the nonprescription drug, which usually has fewer side effects than prescription medications. The type of tension headache that you have may help your physician determine which drug to prescribe. You may have to try several different drugs or types of drugs before you find the one that is right for you. Good communication with your healthcare provider or doctor is important in finding the most effective treatment for you. Medicines you may be given to treat or prevent tension-type headaches include: * Antidepressants. When taken daily, these medicines can help reduce how often tension headaches occur and how long they last. * Seizure medicines or anti anxiety drugs. These medicines are not often used to treat tension headaches. In some cases your doctor may prescribed drugs such as barbiturates or narcotics when other drugs are ineffective. But these drugs can be habit-forming and should be used sparingly. Botox is sometimes injected into the muscles in the face and head, to reduce contractions or spasms that in the past were thought to produce tension headaches. But Botox injections do not seem to help with symptoms of tension headaches. Botox may cause weakness of the facial muscles and may affect swallowing. So, what to think about? Try to avoid taking nonprescription drugs more than 3 times a week because you may get rebound headaches. Rebound headaches are different from tension headaches. They are usually triggered after pain medicine has worn off, prompting you to take another dose. Eventually, you get a headache whenever you stop taking the medicine. Certain pain medicines interact poorly with other medicines. Before you begin taking pain medicines, be sure to let your doctor know about all of the drugs-both prescription and nonprescription, and other complementary therapies (such as herbs)-that you are taking.

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