TENSION HEADACHES

Tension Headaches are described as intermittent, moderate pain that tends to reside in the forehead area (frontal) or at the base of the skull (occipital). This type of headache is often accompanied by a sensation of muscle tightness and tenderness anywhere in the neck, head, face or jaw.

Signs and Symptoms of Tension Headaches:

- Mild to moderate head pain with an aching sensation or feeling
of pressure around the head

- Lasts 30 minutes to 7 days

- More common in Females to Males 2:1

- No aura What is an Aura?

- Usually affects both sides of the head or wraps around the head

- Often decreases with physical activity

- Often accompanied by, or preceded by, neck pain and stiffness

Tension Headaches Explained
The cause of Tension Headaches is generally due to muscle contraction (tension) of the face, scalp, neck, upper back and jaw, including TMJ Disorder, referring to the head. Any time we are suffering from chronic muscle tightness and stiffness, especially of the upper body, we are vulnerable to it developing into a headache.

Holding the head and neck in one position for long periods for activities like reading, studying, working at the computer or even concentrating on a craft can cause muscles to stiffen and become tight. This muscle contraction, combined with reduced blood flow to the area, ultimately causes pain in the head!

Tension Headaches can also be due to Emotional tension.
Emotional Tension Headaches tend to be either chronic or continuous and are felt much in the same areas as those caused by muscle tension. In this case, it is important to consider the cause of emotional stress to effectively treat this type of headache.

Try these Treatments for Tension Headaches:

- Exercise is a great way to improve circulation to the brain as well as the muscles of the head, neck and upper back. This can include any form of moderate exercise like walking, biking and swimming but should always include some form of stretching.

- Stress reduction, including meditation, yoga and tai chi have been shown to be helpful in reducing tension headaches.

- Get adequate Sleep

- Behavioral Treatments
including bio-feedback or hypno-therapy

- Massage : Anyone who has had a massage can tell you how relaxing it can be. Getting a regular massage is one way to prevent the effects of chronic muscle tension and reduce stress!

- Herbs and Supplements: There are many herbs and supplements that have muscle relaxing properties.
Click here to learn more about Benefits of Herbs & Supplements for treating Tension Headaches >

- Hot/Cold therapy: Using hot packs on the upper back and neck increases blood circulation to the area and relaxes muscle tension. Cold packs, on the other hand, are more useful when inflammation is more prevalent or there are signs of redness, heat or swelling that accompanies pain.

- Acupuncture: Recent studies show that Acupuncture is an effective way to treat Tension Headaches. Getting regular acupuncture treatments relaxes the muscles of the upper body, neck and head, restores circulation to the areas and greatly relaxes the body and reduces stress.
- To learn more about the benefits of Acupuncture click here>
- To consult with an acupuncturist click here >

- Chiropractic adjustments: A chiropractic adjustment is often a very effective way to reduce muscle tension and restore normal circulation.

- Headache Diary: A Headache Diary is used to record headaches and other symptoms as they occur to see if there is an overall pattern or habit that causes headaches to return.
To start your Headache diary click here >