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Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and result in a dull, aching pain in the head and can cause tenderness in the shoulders, neck and scalp. Lasting between 30 minutes to a week, tension headaches can cause you to lose sleep and leave you unable to perform your work, school or household duties.http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tension_headache/article_em.htm This page provides information on how to alleviate a tension headache.
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Introduction
Every year, over 10 million people seek medical treatment for headaches.http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tension_headache/article_em.htm. The most common headache classification is called a tension headache, or a tension type headache, with about 88% of women and 69% of men experiencing a tension headache in their lifetime.http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tension_headache/article_em.htm Most commonly experienced between the ages of 20 and 50, these headaches are uncomfortable and can prevent you from performing your daily activities. -
How to Reduce & Relieve Headaches: How to Identify Tension & Chronic Headaches
Dr. Susan Jewell, a doctor and clinical medical researcher discusses how to identify tension and chronic headaches. She discusses the causes for tension headaches such as stress, anxiety, lifestyle factors and genetic components. Dr. Jewell describes what types of people are prone to chronic headaches and who are more likely to have headache remissions. Dr. Jewell also presents statistics and identification methods in this short, helpful video.
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Step 1: Recognize Tension Headache
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a tension headache, so you will know when to apply the proper treatment options.Symptoms can range in severity and can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle tenderness in the scalp, shoulders and neck
- Tight feeling or pressure on the back or sides of your head as well as the forehead area
- Aching, yet dull pain in your headhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304/DSECTION=symptoms
Step 2: Know When to Seek Medical Attention
Tension headaches can mimic other more severe conditions. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:- Headache experienced after a head injury
- Severe headache that appears abruptly. May feel like a thunderclap.
- Headache and any of the following symptoms:
- Stiff Neck
- Fever
- Confusion
- Double Vision
- Weakness
- Seizure
- Speaking problems
- Numbnesshttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304/DSECTION=symptoms
Step 3: Avoid Triggers
The best way to alleviate a tension headache is to avoid things that trigger or exacerbate a tension headache including:- Bad Posture
- Clenching your Jaw
- Anxiety or Depression
- Stress
- Awkward work positions
- Staying in one position for a long time. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304/DSECTION=causes
Step 4: Medications
When a tension headache begins, take an over-the-counter pain medication such as:- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
- Ibuprophen (Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
For more frequent tension headaches, your doctor can prescribe the following medications for pain:
- Maproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine)
Your doctor may also prescribe the following to help prevent recurrence of tension headaches:
Step 5
Step 5: Stress ManagementStress is a contributing factor for tension headaches. Alleviate your tension headache by lowering your stress level. Consider stress relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and reducing tension in your environment.
Step 6: Relax your Muscles
Relax your muscles to alleviate a tension headache. Consider the following muscle relaxation options:- Heat through a heating pad or heat pack on the tense muscles
- Ice Pack on tense muscles
- Gentle fingertip massage on the muscles in the neck, shoulders and head
- Professional massage
Step 7: Acupuncture
According to the Mayo Clinic, acupressure may provide relief for headache pain. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headache/DS00304/DSECTION=alternative-medicien Ask for a referral from your primary care physician to find a highly trained acupuncture specialist that can help alleviate your tension headaches.Featured Mahalo Topics
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