Don’t Let a Tension Headache get in the Way of Your Life

Most people have experienced a tension headache at some time. Some sufferers describe them as feeling like a tight band around their foreheads, whereas others suggest it feels like a vice around their whole head. The pain from a tension headache can range from fairly mild to fairly severe and the headaches can last anywhere from an hour or so all the way up to one or two weeks. Doctors refer to two types of tension headache. The first type is "episodic", and they last from a few minutes up to a few hours, and happen fifteen times each month or fewer. The second type is "chronic", and they happen fifteen or more days a month and much more often in women than men. Sometimes, the pain of chronic tension headaches can be almost continuous.

Symptoms of a Tension Headache

Obviously the most common sign of a tension headache is the pain, but other symptoms can also happen.  Your scalp, neck and shoulders may become tender to the touch. You may suffer from tiredness, have trouble sleeping, and irritability. You may find it difficult to concentrate on daily tasks, and you might even have a loss of appetite. You may also have neck or jaw discomfort. This type of headache is not generally associated with vision disturbances, however. If you see an aura or experience blind spots in your line of vision with your headache, you may instead be having a migraine. These headaches can cause other symptoms as well, and often need your doctor’s assistance to overcome. On the other hand, tension headaches do not always require medical attention, since they can often be treated quite effectively at home.

Treatment

The best treatment for a tension headache is often an over the counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. The best type of medication will depend on your own personal needs and preferences, so keep trying the different brands and formulas until you find the one that works the best on your headaches. Many people find that the best relief comes from a combination of medications. For example, Excedrin has a formula that includes aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine for maximum benefit. Keep in mind that any over the counter medication can have dangerous side effects if it is overused, so limit your doses to two times each week to avoid problems. If you find yourself treating your tension headaches more often, it may be time to see your doctor for safer, more effective options for you.