Tension Headache

Tension Headache

A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your head. A tension headache (tension-type headache) is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren't well understood. 

Treatments for tension headaches are available. Managing a tension headache is often a balance between fostering healthy habits, finding effective nondrug treatments and using medications appropriately. [1]

What Is a Tension Headache

A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Some patients say that a tension headache feels like a tight band around their forehead.

The majority of people who suffer from tension headaches have episodic headaches, which occur one or two times per month on average. However, tension headaches can also be chronic. Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension headaches as men.

Causes

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. Cold temperatures may also trigger a tension headache. Other triggers for tension headaches include: eye strain, dry eyes, poor posture, emotional stress

Symptoms

Symptoms of a tension headache include: dull head pain. In rare cases, a tension headache can cause sensitivity to light and loud noise, similar to migraines. 

Treat a Tension Headache

You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to get rid of a tension headache. According to the Mayo Clinic, using OTC medications too much may lead to “overuse” or ”rebound” headaches. OTC drugs are sometimes not enough to treat recurring tension headaches. 

If painkillers are not working, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant, which is a medication that helps stop muscle contractions. Stress management classes to teach you ways to cope with stress and how to relieve tension, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is talk therapy that helps you recognize situations that cause you stress, anxiety, and tension.

Some supplements may also help relieve tension headaches. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the following supplements may help prevent tension headaches:

Preventing

Since tension headaches are often caused by specific triggers, identifying the factors that cause your headaches is one way to prevent future episodes.

A headache diary will help you determine the cause of your tension headaches. For each day that you have a tension headache, make a note of it.

Outlook

Tension headaches often respond to treatment and rarely cause any permanent neurological damage. Still, chronic tension headaches can affect your quality of life. If it becomes a serious problem, talk to your doctor.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have a headache that starts suddenly or a headache accompanied by slurred speech, loss of balance, or a high fever. [2]

Source: [1] [2]