Overview
Headaches that are caused by tension are the most common type. When used as needed to treat pain, painkillers generally function well. It may be possible to avoid headaches by paying attention to lifestyle factors like stress, posture, and exercise. If you frequently get tension-type headaches, taking preventative medication may be helpful.
Definition
Headaches that are most frequently experienced as tension headaches typically impact both sides of the head. Most people will experience a tension headache at some point in their lives, though the exact frequency is hard to determine because estimates from various studies have varied greatly.
Prevalance
At some point in their lives, almost 50% of adults report having tension headaches. Of those who have chronic tension headaches (headaches occurring more than 50% of the time for three months or longer), 1 in 40 adults report having them. However, some of these reports may be overstated because they are medication-induced headaches, which makes up 15% of cases.The females in their late twenties experiencing them somewhat more frequently.
If you get a tension headache less than half the time per month, you're said to have episodic tension headaches. If a tension headache occurs more frequently than 50% of the time, it's referred to as chronic.
Character of Pain
The typical signs of tension headaches include:
a forehead band spanning from mild to moderate pain
An increasing amount of pain throughout the day.
a feeling of tightness in the vicinity of the band.
There are those who find that a tension headache makes them uncomfortable with bright lights, loud noises, and eating a lot. They may endure for several days or for as little as thirty minutes, these episodes do not affect physcial work or sleep but it is quite understandable that you can be sensitive to loud noise or bright lights.
Risk factors
Among the things that can cause a headache are:
- tension in one's emotions, worry, fatigue, or stress.
- stiffening of shoulders
- eye fatigue.
- hunger
- physical elements like strong sunlight, heat, cold, and noise, among others.
- Coffee.
- booze.
- dehydration of the skin and tissues.
If you were used to consuming large amounts of caffeine-rich drinks, like coffee, and you stop drinking for a while, you may also experience a headache similar to this one. It's a headache from caffeine withdrawal.
Treatment
Painkillers are frequently effective in relieving tension headaches. It is important to remember that taking painkillers for a headache should not last longer than a few days. Among the painkillers that are employed are:
Paracetamol, which is frequently effective. The ideal time to take a full dose is as soon as headache symptoms appear. It might be more effective to prevent the headache this way than to treat it after it has become severe. If necessary, you can take another dose after four hours.
NSAIDS :Among them is ibuprofen, which is available at pharmacies. Prescriptions are required for other types, like diclofenac and naproxen. Anti-inflammatory medications, as opposed to paracetamol, usually provide more pain relief for headache sufferers. Aspirin should only be taken if paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers are ineffective for your symptoms because of the high risk of stomach side effects.
Co-codamol and other combination tablets that have both codeine and paracetamol in them. The reason is that painkillers containing opiate compounds can induce sleepiness. Additionally, as previously mentioned, they are the most likely class of painkillers to result in medication-overuse headaches when taken frequently. Additionally, there is a higher chance of chronic tension headache in patients who use opiate painkillers.
Alterations in lifestyle
Finding out what causes your headache is the best course of action. Making adjustments to your way of life will help with this. It comprises:
walking or engaging in stretches like yoga that target muscle relaxation.
Taking off from work
Neck and shoulder massage
Take a warm bath or apply a hot flannel to your neck.
consuming less coffee.
maintaining hydration.
consuming meals that release energy gradually.
Reducing how many pillows you use for sleeping.
sleeping a lot.
keeping noise levels down.
Preventive Measures
If your tension headache has persisted for a period of time exceeding two days, you ought to consult a physician.If you have persistent tension-type headaches, it might be beneficial to keep a headache diary. Record the time, location, intensity, and duration of each headache. Don't forget to record any potential causes. Maybe you'll notice a pattern and identify a trigger to stay away from. For instance, being hungry
A tension headache can sometimes be brought on by stress. Steer clear of stressful situations whenever you can. There are situations and jobs that are just too stressful to avoid. It could be beneficial to learn how to relax and handle snd may reduce anxiety.A tension headache can sometimes be brought on by stress. Steer clear of stressful situations whenever you can. There are situations and jobs that are just too stressful to avoid. It could be beneficial to learn how to relax and handle stress. Coping mechanisms, such as breathing and relaxation exercises, are excellent tools for managing stress and may reduce anxiety.
It might be beneficial to give some regular exercises like cycling, swimming, jogging, and brisk walking a try. (This will help with headaches, but it will also have other health benefits.) It's unclear how exercise could be beneficial. It's possible that physical activity reduces stress. Sometimes drugs like ant-depressants can be prescribed by your doctor for this sort of headache.
No comments:
Post a Comment