Tension headache.
Share your knowledge about tension headache, their symptoms, causes, and treatment!
Overview of Tension Headache
Tension headaches are the common type of headache, that is always referred to as "stress headaches". It is known to be a headache that is caused by stress. Also, tension headaches are mild to moderate in intensity and can feel like a tight band around my head.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tension headaches are:
Pain characteristics: In this one get to feel dull, and aching pain that is not throbbing.
Location: There is usually bilateral that affects both sides of the head.
Pressure sensation: This is a feeling of pressure or tightness around the forehead, back to the head, or temples.
Neck and Shoulder Discomfort: This sometimes involves tightness or tenderness in the shoulder muscles and neck.
No associated symptoms: Unlike tension headaches, migraines typically do not include vomiting and others.
Mild to moderate pain: This doesn't usually get worse with doing physical activity.
Causes
The causes of tension headaches are:
Stress: Mental or emotional stress is the common causes that trigger tension headaches
Poor posture: Working or sitting in awkward positions for prolonged periods can cause tension headaches.
Muscle tension: Scalp, tightening of neck, or jaw muscles due to posture or stress can cause tension headaches.
Eye strain: Spending too many hours reading it and looking at screens without breaks can cause tension headaches.
Sleep Disturbances: Lack of quality sleep can also contribute to tension headaches.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause tension headaches.
Skipped meals: Low blood sugar can cause headaches.
Treatment
The treatment for tension headaches are:
Immediate Relief which involves the use of over-the-counter pain relievers like: aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen or applying relaxation techniques like having deep breaths.
Based on lifestyle changes, we can manage stress, improve posture, do regular exercising, have adequate sleep, and limit screen time.
Based on Long-term management, we can go for therapy or counseling, and take medication like amitriptyline.
Also, identify and avoid stressors, prolonged screen use, dehydration, and anything that can cause headaches.
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