Need to finish off a task within a deadline? Is time flying out so fast that you cannot catch up with it? Oh No! Your boss is calling you and asking for the results! What can you do more at this time rather than getting loaded with tension? Your boss will finally find you tossing on the desk with a terrible headache! But these types of tension headaches won't save you from fulfilling your obligations! Rather you have to learn the ways to cope up with stress and to keep tension and headaches away.
What is a Tension Headache?
It denotes the headache that feels like pressure or tension in and around the head. Tension headache is often triggered by emotional stress, fatigue or depression. Tension headaches can be classified as:
- Episodic Tension-type Headaches: These headaches normally occur randomly and less frequently.
- Chronic Tension-type Headaches: These are daily or continuous headaches which involve a variation in the intensity of pain during a 24-hour cycle.
There is nothing so serious about it initially! Despite the discomfort, most people can continue with their usual activities. But if left untreated, the condition can worsen and can even prove to be disabling.
What Causes a Tension Headache?
The exact cause is still controversial but many people believe that the headache is caused due to muscle tightness in the scalp, forehead and the back of the neck. This muscle tightness is triggered by stress, tiredness, eye strain (after prolonged period of reading, typing and driving), poor posture, spine and neck injuries, high blood pressure and certain other factors. But recently, some experts believe it to be a result of changes in brain chemistry.
What May be Your Feelings or Experiences?
- Many people feel as if a tight band is tied around their heads. Some people also feel as if a load has been imposed on their heads.
- The pain is dull and constant and it primarily occurs in the forehead, temples or the back of the head and/or neck.
- There may be pain and stiffness in the neck and sometimes even in the shoulders.
- Chronic tension-type headaches may also be accompanied by changes in sleep patterns or insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, poor concentration and irritability.
How Can Tension Headaches be Diagnosed?
There is no special test to diagnose tension headache. A clinician often diagnoses tension headaches through general examination and by hearing the description of the pain. To aid in a proper diagnosis and to communicate effectively with your clinician, you can maintain a log of your specific headache patterns.
What are the Treatment Options Available?
- For occasional tension headaches, NSAIDs are the most preferred drugs for relieving pain. If you have tension headaches almost every day then, the regular use of pain killers can prove to be injurious to your health.
- Appropriate stress management by some relaxation techniques can be very helpful.
- If your headache is due to neck problems, then physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage may be helpful.
- If symptoms persist and do not respond to the above mentioned tips, then you may need to undergo tests like CT scans, MRI and blood tests. You may also need to opt for an eye test so that an appropriate treatment path can be chalked out.
It's best to treat tension headaches when they begin. This will not only prevent them from becoming worse, but will also lead to a comparatively better outcome.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Tension Headache?
Of course, there are ways by which you can keep yourself stress-free and can keep tension headaches away! These are:
- Sleep Well: Maintain consistent sleep patterns with a minimum of 6 to 7 hours of sleep every day.
- Engage Yourself in Regular Exercise: Around 20 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercises for at least 3 times a week can relieve stress and bring internal balance.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet will also require you to avoid skipping meals.
- Keep Your Body Hydrated: Consume plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Learn to Cope Up With Day to Day Stress: Try some relaxation techniques like listening to music, spending time in the midst of nature, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, massage and breathing exercises.
- Do Not Strain Your Eyes: Putting much strain on the eyes may also mean inviting a tension headache.
- Maintain a Log of Your Headache: Maintaining a record of your headache patterns will aid you and your physician in the treatment process.
It is the best policy to target the very cause of any health condition. Stress and depression are the main causes of tension headaches and thus addressing these issues will help us to avoid the outcome! So, next time you are not able to finish off your tasks within the deadline, do not panic! Rather, staying cool and relaxed will help you to deal with the situation in a better way.
