Stress Headache Relief Techniques That Work
Do you suffer from tension headache, commonly known as stress headache?
Wouldnt you want to know the stress headache relief techniques to ease you from the pain?
I do suffer sometimes from such tensions headaches, and am always on the lookout for better stress headache relief methods. Do you too?
Experts say that tension headaches are more common in middle-aged women!
Not only that, about 20% of the worlds population suffered from it at some time or the other, including men.
If youre concerned, then you must know the stress signs and its causes. Sometimes you experience stress at your workplace, else you have stress in the family.
This mental stress often translates into and extends to physical stress and pain in the body. A healthy lifestyle would definitely help reduce stress related headaches.
If you wish to change your lifestyle then you can read my posts on lifestyle besides my post about how to cope with stress in general.
But this post is particularly about headaches arising due to stress and other factors, and the ways to get rid of them.
You all can make your life easy if you know the best stress headache relief techniques and follow them.
Lets start quickly by first trying to understand all about stress headache, which is technically known as tension-type headache.
Every head has its own headache ~ Arab Proverb
Key Points About Tension Headache
A Pharmacist Can Help With Headaches
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- the best painkiller to take, if you’re not sure which is suitable for you
- what to do if you’re pregnant some medicines are not recommended in pregnancy
- medicines for sleep problems like insomnia if you’re having trouble sleeping and you think it may be causing your headaches
-
- is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities
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Neck Pain And Tension Headache
Tension headache, also called tension-type headache, commonly causes mild to moderate constricting or tightening pain in the forehead and temple area, with tenderness in the scalp and neck muscles. Tension headache is caused due to muscle contractions in the face, scalp, and neck as a response to stress, strain, fatigue, or other factors.
Tension headache is a common headache characterized by moderate to severe non-throbbing pain in the forehead, scalp, and neck. Tension headache occurs when muscles of the scalp and neck become tense, such as from tension, stress, fear, and/or emotions.
Outlook For People With Tension Headaches
Tension headaches often respond to treatment and rarely cause any permanent neurological damage. Still, chronic tension headaches can affect your quality of life.
These headaches can make it difficult for you to participate in physical activities. You may also miss days of work or school. If it becomes a serious problem, talk with a healthcare professional.
Its important to not ignore severe symptoms. Get medical attention immediately if you have a headache that starts suddenly or a headache accompanied by:
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How To Cope When One Of Your Migraine Triggers Is Stress
To say that dealing with the chronic pain of migraine is a challenge is an understatement. Those challenges are magnified when stress is one of your migraine triggers. Stress can cause migraine, chronic pain creates more stressand so the cycle continues. And, to add insult to injury, if your body is accustomed to constant stress, a weekend off can result in a let down migraine when your stress abruptly lowers. Not exactly a win-win for those living with migraine.
The migraine brain is vulnerable to change such as sleep and stress, and is, therefore, best kept stable, says Peter Goadsby, M.D., Ph.D., who specializes in the treatment of headache disorders at UC San Francisco Medical Center.
In addition to finding a doctor, keeping a headache diary, and finding the proper medication, one of the most effective things you can do to control migraine is to reduce your stress, which sounds easy, right? Wrong. So, in our busy lives, how can we better manage the stress associated with migraine? Here are a few tips on how to do this.
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How Can Stress Cause Headaches
Everyday stress can bring on headaches in a variety of ways. Thats because stress causes us to change our behavior without even realizing it.iv
You may still experience the occasional tension headache, but practicing the above techniques should help reduce their frequency and severity. Looking for a quick and effective way to get rid of a stress headache? Try an over-the-counter headache relief medication like Excedrin.You may still experience the occasional tension headache, but practicing the above techniques should help reduce their frequency and severity. Looking for a quick and effective way to get rid of a stress headache? Try an over-the-counter headache relief medication like Excedrin.
And while relaxation therapies and simply cutting down on the stress in your life can help to reduce the occurrence of tension headaches, chronic tension headaches may be indicative of a more serious issue. Consult a doctor to discuss and learn more about your headaches.
References:
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The Half Pigeon Pose With Bolster
This is a restorative yoga pose with props. It is similar to the child pose in the sense that you will be lying face down.
Here is how to do it:
- Get on the floor and place a yoga prop in front of you.
- One that is about 6 inches in height.
- Bend your right knee such that the calf is facing you.
- Now stretch your left leg backward.
- Now, lean all the way down and rest your forehead on your folded arms.
- Try to rest your entire body as you breathe slowly.
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Consume Or Inhale Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is yet another anecdotal remedy for headaches, especially those triggered by poorly regulated blood sugar or sinus problems. This mildly acidic liquid has been credited with a lot of therapeutic potential but there isnt any solid scientific evidence to substantiate these claims.
Nevertheless, a lot of general users have reported positive results after using this remedy with little to no side effects, if used correctly.
How to use:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water, and add some honey and lemon juice to it for better taste. Drink this tonic thrice a day for headache relief.
- Take equal amounts of water and ACV in a pot and bring this mixture to a boil. Then, breathe in the therapeutic vapors to relieve sinus headaches.
Note: ACV can erode the tooth enamel, which is why its important to drink this tonic through a straw and rinse your mouth thereafter.
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Finding Out The Type Of Headache You Have
A doctor can usually diagnose tension headaches by asking you questions about your health and lifestyle and by examining you.
It can be hard to know which type of headache you have, because different types can have the same symptoms. But the treatments may be different, so it’s important to find out which type you have.
Third Eye Pressure Point
The third eye point can be found between your two eyebrows where the bridge of your nose meets your forehead.
Firm pressure applied to the third eye pressure point is thought to relieve eyestrain and sinus pressure that often cause headaches.
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Tips To Relieve Stress & Tension
What Are Tension Headaches
There are different types of tension headaches ranging from episodic to chronic. Infrequent-episodic headaches may occur 1 day per month or less. Frequent-episodic headaches may occur 1-15 days per month. However, If you have a headache lasting for more than 15 days per month, you would fall under the chronic category.
Both episodic and chronic headaches can have an effect on a persons quality of life and may affect work attendance, social relationships and every day activities. Tension headaches often begin during the day and may build in intensity, but the headache remains unchanged regardless of increased activity. The intensity of the pain not changing with physical activity is a big distinguishing difference between tension type headaches and migraines.
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Can Tension Headaches Be Prevented
Identifying and avoiding headache triggers may prevent a tension headache. Maintaining a regular sleep, exercise, and meal schedule is also helpful. If tension headaches occur regularly or frequently, therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, or biofeedback may reduce or eliminate headaches. Talk to your healthcare provider about medicines to prevent tension headaches.
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It’s The Most Common Type Of Headache You Can Getbut The Term Stress Headache Isn’t Entirely Accurate
Sometimes it feels like stress is the new normaland more stress in your life can lead to changes in your health.
Headaches, in particular, are often brought about by increased stress levels, but while “stress headaches” may be a good description of what’s going on in your body, it’s not an entirely accurate diagnosis. Here’s what you need to know about headaches triggered by stress and how to help relieve the pain.
Q: How Can I Get Relief From Tension Headaches
A: A tried-and-true home remedy for both chronic andepisodic tension headaches is using a hot or cold compress to alleviate thediscomfort. Place it on the forehead or over the neck and shoulders.
People can easily manage episodic headaches with over-the-counter pain relievers like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and acetaminophen.We recommend people limit the use of OTC pain relievers to two times per weekat most. Using them too often could result in medication-overuse headaches,plus too much could damage the kidneys or liver.
People with chronic headaches may need daily preventionmedicines. But we have a lot of options to help people avoid tension headachesaltogether.
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How Common Are Tension Headaches
People dont always see their doctor for a tension headache, which makes exact numbers hard to predict. Researchers estimate that as many as 2 in 3 adults in the U.S. get tension headaches.
Chronic tension headaches are much less common. They affect an estimated 3% of adults. Women get tension headaches more often than men.
Get Emergency Care For Severe Extreme Headaches
Tension headaches can be uncomfortable and annoying, but they usually arent severe. If youre experiencing a severe headache , you should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Its especially important to contact a medical professional if you develop a severe headache that starts suddenly, if you vomit during a headache, if you have a high fever, or if you suddenly have difficulties speaking, moving, balancing or seeing clearly.
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What To Do If You Have Frequent Or Severe Tension Headaches
While tension headaches are not a serious medical condition, they can be very painful and interfere with your daily life. If you have frequent or severe tension headaches, seek help from a doctor. You may need to combine lifestyle changes and natural remedies to secure lasting relief from this pain. You can also avoid triggering a tension headache by steering clear of the following:
- Sleeping on your back, stomach, or side
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Treating The Cause: Diary
It may help to keep a diary if you have frequent headaches. Note when, where, and how bad each headache is, and how long each headache lasts. Also note anything that may have caused it. A pattern may emerge and you may find a trigger to avoid. For example, hunger, eye strain, bad posture, stress, anger, etc.
Some doctors suggest reviewing your diet. The list of foods which can be triggers in some people includes caffeinated drinks, chocolate, cheese and alcohol. Other doctors suggest focusing on a healthy balanced diet, with a good mixture of slow-release energy foods and a low intake of refined sugars.
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Are There Any Risks To Taking Medication To Treat Tension Headaches
Over-the-counter pain relievers are generally safe. But overusing pain relievers can cause other problems. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully. Always check in with your provider if you feel the need to use pain relievers more than twice a week.
Take these medications only when you need them. Use the smallest dose that relieves your pain.
In general, overusing pain medications may cause:
- Headaches: Taking pain relievers too often can actually cause a headache when you stop taking the medicine. This effect is similar to withdrawal.
- Other side effects: All drugs have side effects. Avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen, too often. Overuse may cause stomach pain, bleeding or ulcers. If you take any medication regularly, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Reduced benefits over time: Your body can build up a tolerance any medication. You may notice that a medication youve used regularly doesnt work as well as it once did.
- Dependence: Some medications can become addictive. They may pose more risks than benefits. For that reason, healthcare providers usually recommend against prescribing benzodiazepines and narcotics to treat tension headaches.
When To Call The Doctor
- You are experiencing “the worst headache of your life.”
- You have speech, vision, or movement problems or loss of balance, especially if you have not had these symptoms with a headache before.
- You have a fever with your headache.
- A headache starts suddenly.
Schedule an appointment or call your provider if:
- Your headache pattern or pain changes.
- Treatments that once worked no longer help.
- You have side effects from your medicine.
- You are pregnant or could become pregnant. Some medicines should not be taken during pregnancy.
- You need to take pain medicines more than 3 days a week.
- Your headaches are more severe when lying down.
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Medications And Home Care
You can start by drinking more water. You may be dehydrated and need to increase your water intake. Also, you should consider how much sleep youre getting.
Lack of sleep can lead to tension headaches, so be sure to get plenty of sleep. And make sure you dont skip any meals, since hunger can trigger headaches.
If none of those strategies work, then you can take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to get rid of a tension headache. However, these should only be used occasionally.
Using OTC medications too much may lead to overuse or rebound headaches. These types of headaches occur when you become so accustomed to a medication that you experience pain when it wears off.
OTC drugs are sometimes not enough to treat recurring tension headaches. In such cases, a healthcare professional may give you a prescription for medication, such as:
If pain relievers arent working, they may prescribe a muscle relaxant. This is a medication that helps stop muscle contractions.
A healthcare professional may also prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor . SSRIs can stabilize your brains levels of serotonin and can help you cope with stress.
They may also recommend other strategies, such as:
The following may also ease your tension headache:
- Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your head for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.
- Take a hot bath or shower to relax tense muscles.
- any situations that trigger stress
