GenInv – Health and Wellness

The name “tension headache” immediately implies the cause for this malady that affects millions of people every day. People who suffer from these types of headaches describe them as tightness in their head or neck muscles-almost like someone is pulling on them. These types of headaches often have a gradual onset unlike other possibly more severe headaches like the migraine.

Stress Happens

As we go through our daily activities we experience tension regarding situations at work, at home, a

nd other scenarios. This is when a tension headache is most likely to occur-as the pressure in our lives builds, so does the tendency to build tension and therefore, we may get a headache.

Facts about tension headaches

›› They are the most common type of headache

›› Occur more in women (90%) than men (70%)

›› Most common in 30 – 39 year olds

›› Usually develop in the morning and get worse as the day goes on

›› Often desc

ribed as a tight band around the head

›› Can also cause pain at the bottom of your skull and the back of your neck
The tension headache attack is usually more gradual than migraine headache and the duration of the pain may range from hours to even years. Sometimes, a migraine headache may even evolve into a tension headache, as both conditions are quite similar and are cause by similar influence such as stress. More often, a sufferer will feel pain almost every day without a brea

k, although the intensity may vary.

Treatments for Tension Headache

Many of you experience from bad headaches but probably do not realize that there are many different types of headaches. However, a clear understanding of the type of headache you are having can help you find an appropriate treatment method. One such type of headache is known as tension headaches.

A tension headache typically lasts for between 4 and 6 hours. When you get a tension headache, you feel a pressure on your head as if it is being squeezed at your temples. In many instances, both sides of the head are affected at the same time. Doctors do not know the exact cause of tension headaches; but is believed that tension in your neck, head, and shoulder muscles have something to do with it.

Treatments for tension headache usually involve OTC drugs called analgesics. Two examples of analgesics are ibuprofen and aspirin. These treatments for tension headaches will usually numb your pain sensations.