More than just relaxing
With tension headaches, you experience a pressing, squeezing pain on both sides of the head. Some people describe it as a tight band or a bath cap that is too small around the head. Although the name suggests otherwise, tension is not always the cause of tension headaches. What can you do if you are tormented by this complaint?
Tension headaches are a collective term for a number of types of headaches. The pain is on both sides of your head, around the head or in the neck. The muscles of the neck, shoulders, and skull are often painful and tense. The pain radiates from there to the head. You may also be bothered by bright lights or loud noises. A decreased appetite is also one of the symptoms, but there is no nausea or tendency to vomit, as in migraine.
In general, tension headaches are mild to moderate; you don’t have to deal with extreme pain like with cluster headaches. Also, the complaints do not get worse with exertion and it is usually possible to continue with your activities. However, that does not alter the fact that tension headaches can be very annoying.
Cause
The cause of tension headaches is often unclear. Sometimes headaches arise for no reason and with tension headaches it is certainly not the case that tension is always the culprit. However, tension can cause the headache to continue. This applies to psychological tensions and stress as well as increased muscle tension due to physical factors. However, it can also happen that the loss of tension, for example during the weekend, causes a headache. Hormones, heredity, sleep deprivation or posture may also play a role.
Tension headaches can be divided into an episodic and a chronic form. This is because the headaches can occur occasionally – and then last from a few minutes to a few days – or very regularly. We speak of chronic tension headaches if you have complaints for more than 15 days a month.
What to do?
Of course, if you occasionally suffer from tension headaches, it is best to take a painkiller so that you can function properly. Just make sure you don’t take too many painkillers and too often. It is possible that you will get a headache from the medicines. Even paracetamol.
With a healthy lifestyle it is sometimes possible to reduce tension headaches. Therefore make sure you:
- healthy living
- enough exercise
- get enough fresh air
- looking for relaxation on time
- sleep well
Trying to solve problems can help you. Just like watching your posture. If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer, pausing is very important. A massage or warm shower sometimes makes a difference. With regular tension headaches, it pays to find out what works well for you.
And further?
Are you not really getting the pain under control or are you unable to resolve it? Then pay a visit to the doctor. A headache diary is a good preparation for the consultation. Keep a record of your complaints and medication use. Even if the headache changes or if you frequently use painkillers, it is wise to consult a doctor. In addition to the general practitioner, there are also specialized headache centers that you can go to.
