When most people have headaches they are having tension headaches. It is the most frequent headaches. Tension headache pain usually spreads over the head as if the tension headache sufferer would feel they were wearing a tight band around their head.
Researchers divide this type of headache into two types. Chronic and episodic. The episodic tension headache lasts from around 30 minutes 2 sometimes a week induration and can cycle up to two weeks each month. Chronic tension headaches may be continuous and last for hours. If you notice this style of headache where there is a band around your head for more than 15 days out of a month for at least three consecutive months you may be suffering from chronic tension headaches.
Tension headaches usually correlate with emotional suffering such as anxiety and depression. Tension headaches can also have physical causation such as muscle strain due to repetitive stress to the neck or an acute injury. Even some children develop tension headaches due to neck tension from playing Electronics or from eye strain.
Tension Headache symptoms include a persistent dull ache in the head, Sensitive Scalp, tightness around the forehead and the sides or back of the head, tender shoulder and neck muscles. These symptoms can worsen as the day goes on.
Treatment for Tension Headaches
Prevention is often the best remedy however decreasing pain is a treatment method. There are prescription-strength medications or over-the-counter pain relievers one may take. Some tension headache sufferers try using ice packs and heating pads alternating over the area which can be helpful. A massage is also an option along with Chiropractic adjustments.
Medical doctors will often prescribe medicines including antidepressants, muscle relaxers or anticonvulsants. Some can be helped but all medications have adverse effects on the body.
Often calming activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help people with tension headaches because there were activities help to reduce anxiety and stress. Regular aerobic activity can also reduce depression and thereby can also possibly decrease tension headache pain.
Tension Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Since the neck maybe come tense and cause tension headaches improving your posture might be a benefit. As many tension headaches emanating from the cervical spine your doctor of chiropractic may focus on spinal adjustments to the cervical region to reduce pressure on the nerves that may be causing the headache. Your doctor of Chiropractic may also suggest changes in ergonomics, relaxation techniques and possibly exercises or stretches.
Chiropractic treatment can offer the best headache relief for Tension Headache sufferers without the adverse effects of drugs. If you are a tension headache sufferer consider calling us today.