All About Tension Headaches And How To Prevent Them

There are several different kinds of headaches, although a tension headache is one of the most common types of head pain. It’s surprising that with so many headache suffers, the causes are still not fully understood. Learning all you can about tension headaches, what causes them, and most importantly how to prevent them can help you live a headache-free life.

A tension headache normally has a mild to moderate intensity level and it is often described as a tight “band” around the head. A tension headache might feel like muscle contractions are the culprit, but according to the experts, this is not so. Regardless of the lack of an official name or cause, when you are suffering from any type of headache you want it gone. Fortunately, a number of treatment methods help manage tension headaches and sometimes even prevent them from occurring.

Causes of tension headaches

Doctors don’t know for sure the cause of tension headaches. One thought was tension or spasms in the muscles of the neck, face, and head all played a part in these “tension” headaches. Now it is thought to be a change in brain chemicals. Some foods can cause tension headaches; chocolate, cheese, and excessive monosodium glutamate (MSG). Smoking and excessive alcohol use can also cause tension headaches.
Symptoms of tension headaches

Tension headaches tend to be constant, though not throbbing. You may feel pain or pressure on both sides of your head or aching pains at your temples and/or the back of your head and neck.

Tension heads reoccur, often times when you are stressed. The pain is not typically severe in nature and it does not normally prevent you from doing your normal activities. These headaches can last from a few minutes to several days, and for some the pain can increase. For those who experience tension headaches for 14 or more days, these are considered chronic tension headaches.

Can a doctor diagnose a tension headache?

Your family doctor can normally diagnose tension headaches by inquiring about the severity and longevity of your headaches as well as your health, lifestyle, and a brief examination. Sometimes a simple change in lifestyle habits or diet can prevent or lessen your recurrences of tension headaches.

How to treat tension headaches

Most tension headaches can be relieved with over-the-counter medications, but for some with chronic tension headaches, prescription medication may be required. If you take over the counter medications more than three times per week for your tension headaches, you may suffer from “rebound headaches. This is when a headache returns after the medication has worn off.

If this occurs, you may want to speak with your physician about alternative treatment for your tension headaches. Prolonged use of pain relievers can result in getting a headache every time to stop taking the medication.
How to prevent tension headaches

Despite treatment, some people will still suffer from tension headaches, although they may lessen in frequency and severity with prescription medication. There are some lifestyle changes that you can make that may help lessen your tension headaches as well.

Learning how to cope with stressful situations better.

Adequate sleep and exercise.
Eat healthy.

Seek treatment for symptoms of depression.
Don’t strain your eyes, e.g., computer use or reading.

Tension headaches are no fun, but learning how to prevent headaches, or lessen the severity will certainly improve the quality of your life.