Chronic Tension Headaches – The Relief Measures to be Taken
The condition when tension headaches occur for at least ten to fifteen times a month is termed as chronic tension headaches. It can cause mild to severe pain and sometimes last for several days at a stretch. The headaches results in irritability and tiredness, thus affecting the quality of lifestyle.
Chronic Tension Headaches – Recurring Pain Episodes
Chronic tension headaches can occur due to many reasons such as skipping meals, dehydration, stressful job, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep. The main feature of this type of headache is that the pain never seems to go away and usually feels like pressurized tightness around the head. The pain can occur in any part of the head and is mild to moderate. Women are twice as likely to develop chronic tension headaches as men. It is common to see this type of headache occurring after a heightened periods of stress, anxiety, and lack of proper rest. Medical attention should be sought if the headache is accompanied by insomnia, depression, weight loss, poor concentration, fatigue, or nausea.
Tension Headache Symptoms – Know the Facts
Some of the typical tension headache symptoms include a feeling of tightness in the head and non-pulsating kind of pain. The headache is known to occur on both sides of the head and gradually spreads to the neck region. The severity of the headache is usually unpredictable and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The other tension headache symptoms include tenseness of shoulder muscles and insomnia. This in turn can lead to irritability, loss of appetite, and general body pain. The main effect of tension headache is that it diminishes the quality of lifestyle by affecting concentration, performance levels at work, and general wellness.
Tension Headache Treatment – the Methods
A good understanding of the triggers of headache can be very useful in avoiding future episodes. It is a good idea to maintain a diary noting down the food you consumed and other factors which could have caused the headache. A simple tension headache treatment for mild pain is a hot or cold shower which usually provides immediate relief in most cases. The other treatment methods include changing sleep habits, and exercising the neck and shoulder muscles. Taking vacation breaks form stressful job can also make a difference. Painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can be useful for treating severe pain. However, it is important to remember that frequent use of painkillers can cause rebound headaches. Physicians may prescribe muscle relaxants, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and antidepressants to reduce frequency of headaches and provide long lasting relief.