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Tension headaches are common and caused by muscle tension around the head. Chronic headaches require medical attention, while episodic headaches can be treated with pain relievers and lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and avoiding trigger foods. Biofeedback therapy may also help.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and many people will experience at least one in their lifetime. More irritating than debilitating, they can take chronic or episodic forms. The exact cause of this type of headache is not known, but there are a variety of techniques that can be used to prevent and treat them. In rare cases, tension headaches may indicate a need for medical attention.
Tension headaches are believed to form due to muscle tension around the head. They’re usually called tension-type headaches, however, because that explanation may not be entirely correct. As a general rule, sufferers experience a feeling of tightness around the head and face, and sometimes the pain will also migrate to the back of the neck. The pain usually takes the form of a dull ache in the head.
When someone experiences frequent tension headaches, they are classified as chronic. Persistent headaches are an indicator that a patient needs to visit a doctor. He or she may be able to help the patient establish triggers for the headache, so they can be avoided. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to prevent them from occurring or to treat pain once they appear. Biofeedback therapy is also used to treat this type of headache. In biofeedback therapy, the patient works with a practitioner to listen to her body, trying to correct the imbalance that can lead to pain.
Episodic tension headache can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin. People may also find relief by taking a hot shower, lying down in a cool room, exercising, or participating in another activity that reduces pain. These activities vary on an individual basis, and it may take some experimentation to find one that works. Some patients also find that consulting with a headache specialist provides helpful techniques for coping with the condition.
In addition to treating tension headache pain when it occurs, patients can also make lifestyle changes to reduce its frequency. Eating well and sleeping well seems to help with headaches and a number of other health problems. Regular exercise and reducing stress and tension in the patient’s life can also prevent the headache from developing. Certain foods can increase the likelihood of tension headaches, including caffeine, and an elimination diet can help find other trigger foods.
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