Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. It is usually mild to moderate pain that feels like pressure or tightening instead of the throbbing feeling common to migraine. Pain can occur from both sides of the head and can happen from the forehead, temples or back of the head as well. There is tenderness around the scalp, neck and shoulders, too. Tension headaches can be episodic, i.e. once in a while or chronic, i.e. they occur frequently over long periods. How often headaches occur determines whether home treatment or medical examination or a tension headache cure is required for treatment.
What causes tension headaches?
There are not always one reason for tension headaches. The physical and lifestyle factors can contribute to a headache.
Stress is a common cause of tension headaches. Muscle tension and headache symptoms can be exacerbated by long periods of concentration, emotional stress or hard work.
Posture is also present. Sitting at a computer or phone for hours can also put stress on the neck and shoulders. Eye strain, fatigue and interrupted sleep can also cause headaches in people.
Understanding our headaches is an important way of knowing if we need to be aware of the patterns of our headaches in order to figure out when some behaviors or circumstances will be likely to occur before symptoms.
There’s no permanent tension headache cure for everyone, or, for the most part, no cure for tension headaches. Treatment is focused on relief from the current headache and to eliminate the factors that could cause future episodes.
Frequent tension headaches can be treated with simple techniques. More frequent or chronic headaches may require a more comprehensive treatment plan and evaluation by a doctor.
Tracking when headaches occur, how long they last and what really happened before they began can be useful information. A headache diary may span sleep, stress, meals, caffeine intake, exercise, and many other factors that lead to symptoms.
Over-the-counter drugs
For occasional tension headaches, over-the-counter drugs can be used. Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen are available.
These drugs are not for everyone. Special medical conditions, medication or other factors can determine which pain relievers are safe to use. It is important to follow the package directions, and contact your health care provider when necessary.
A high dosage of headache drugs can be dangerous. Frequent use of pain drugs can lead to medication-overuse headaches, and again and again the person will get headaches.
Relieving muscle pain
In addition to tension headaches, soreness and tenderness of the neck, scalp and shoulders may occur and some people have relief from muscle pain.
Gentle stretching can be helpful when neck and shoulder flexibility is not strong after sitting for a long period of time at a computer. Short breaks throughout the day are also a way to avoid someone sitting for hours in the same position.
Heat will help relieve tight muscles. A warm shower, heating pad or warm compress to the neck and shoulders will be soothing for some. Some people prefer a cool compress around the head.
Massage can relieve some muscle tension temporarily, especially when discomfort is in the neck and shoulders.
Pay attention to posture.
Poor posture can put more stress on muscles in the upper body.
Computer screens should be placed so that the neck is not always bent downward. A chair and desk setup that is supportive can also help minimize strain.
Phones and tablets may have similar issues when they are placed far below eye level for long periods of time. It’s a good remedy for headaches after long-term use on the computer or phone.
Posture changes won’t cure tension headaches instantly but might be a long-term plan for those who suffer from neck and shoulder pain.
Control stress and sleep.
Stress management is important for tension headaches, particularly in high demand. Deep breathing, meditation, moderate exercise or other techniques that will let the body rest can work for relaxation.
The aim is not to eliminate stress entirely but to reduce the physical stress associated with it.
Sleep is very important too. A regular sleep schedule and sufficient sleep may help to reduce headaches in some people.
Regular physical activity is also good for stress control and health. If you already have neck and shoulder pain, once you start a new exercise program, then just gradually increase it.
Caffeine habits.
Caffeine has a complex relationship with headaches and is present in some headache medications and may relieve pain. But too much caffeine or suddenly stopping caffeine intake can lead to headaches as well.
People who drink coffee, energy drinks, tea or other caffeinated drinks should monitor changes in caffeine intake for headache symptoms.
If you want to cut caffeine down, it might be easier to reduce caffeine slowly rather than stop it completely.
When should you see a doctor for tension headaches?
Some mild headaches may not require treatment, but when they are common or change, a doctor should follow up with you.
If tension headaches are related to tension headaches, or caused by a different condition, he/she can help you. That is especially important if headaches get worse, more frequent or start interfering with normal activities.
Emergency medical treatment for sudden and severe headache or a headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, fainting, seizures, changes in vision, fever or severe neck stiffness is needed.
Headaches after a very serious head injury should also be treated from the start.
Preventing tension headaches
Preventing tension headaches has to be done with the factors that are most important.
If you have headaches after sitting at a desk all day, ergonomic adjustments and movement breaks might help, and headaches might happen after inadequate sleep or in periods of stress.
Regular meals, adequate hydration, consistent sleep, physical activity and reasonable screen breaks can all help prevent headaches in general.
People with frequent headaches can do more than just increase the over-the-counter use of medication without medical advice. Other treatment or preventive measures are also recommended by a doctor or healthcare provider for headache frequency, severity and medical history.
Conclusion
Finding a tension headache cure usually means putting in place more than one treatment that can prevent and cure every headache permanently: firmness of stretching, heat, good posture, sleep and stress management can be done on the spot, but recurring or chronic headaches will take longer. Focusing on when headaches occur and what could be the triggers can also help develop a treatment plan to lower the frequency and disruption of tension headaches.
