| Causes of Tension Headaches | | | | simply ask the pharmacist. |
| Tension headaches, just as the name suggests, are | | | | If your tension headaches seem to last longer than |
| headaches that result from being overly tense or | | | | usual, or if you notice that the headaches are |
| stressed out. People overworked at their jobs, or | | | | occurring too frequently, please visit your doctor for |
| simply have too many things going through their | | | | a proper check-up. You should also consult your |
| minds, are more prone to getting tension headaches. | | | | physician if over-the-counter pain medications do not |
| Often referred to as stress headaches, tension | | | | producing the desired effect. |
| headaches usually commence around noontime when | | | | Serious cases of tension headaches require a |
| a large portion of the day has already passed. Like a | | | | treatment approach that is more drastic than taking |
| volcano, the quiet built up of tension and anxiety in | | | | common pain relievers. Prescription medication can |
| an average individual start to take its toll. Many | | | | help to curb the pain and prevent the headache from |
| people say that tension headaches begin with a | | | | getting worse. When left untreated, even the mildest |
| throbbing on both sides of the head and progress to | | | | cases can progress to something as serious as a |
| rigidity of the muscles in the neck and head. | | | | migraine. It is always best to address a headache its |
| Getting a Diagnosis | | | | early stages. |
| Most doctors can easily make a positive diagnosis for | | | | Alternative Ways of Treating Tension Headaches |
| tension headaches based solely on a physical | | | | Some individuals may not be too keen in taking |
| examination and the patient's narration of the | | | | medications. If you are one of those people, there |
| symptoms they are experiencing. No special tests or | | | | are many other methods you can approach to relief |
| medical procedures such as CAT scans or blood tests | | | | your headache. |
| are usually necessary. | | | | Here are some simple and effective ways to prevent |
| | | | and relief tension headaches. |
| Treatments for the Different Types of Tension | | | | * Make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. |
| Headaches | | | | * Exercise regularly for about half an hour daily. |
| You can treat mild or sporadic cases of tension | | | | * Provide immediate relief by applying an ice pack on |
| headaches by taking ordinary pain medications bought | | | | your head and neck. |
| over-the-counter. Although a doctor's prescription is | | | | * Use acupressure techniques. Massage the areas |
| not required to purchase these drugs, you do need | | | | above and around your ears, temples and back of |
| to exercise care in choosing your pain relievers. Some | | | | your neck. |
| of these medications may produce undesirable results | | | | * Go on a leisurely vacation to recharge yourself and |
| when taking together with other medications. If | | | | escape the stresses associated with your daily hectic |
| unsure, you can always consult your physician or | | | | lifestyle. |