Causes And Treatment Of Tension Headaches

We all know how uncomfortable headaches can be. This discomfort can prevent us from performing daily tasks effectively, which makes us feel uncomfortable and takes away our energy. We have all experienced one before. Although there are many types of headaches, tension headaches are one of the most common.

This type of headache occurs due to excessive tension in the neck and scalp muscles. It is estimated that 78% of headaches around the world are due to an excessive contraction of these muscles. Problems such as depression, anxiety or stress are usually associated with a tension headache. However, they can affect virtually any person.

Although it usually does not cause anything more than discomfort, a tension headache can become a relatively serious problem if it lasts a long time. In this article, we will tell you the main causes of this problem and what you can do to combat it.

What exactly is a tension headache?

Most people with tension headaches describe a feeling of having a rubber band that presses around the head. In the same way, they feel a general pain which, although not very intense, can be very unpleasant. Usually, this type of headache does not prevent a person from performing their daily tasks. However, it can cause fatigue and discomfort.

Although we do not know exactly why a tension headache occurs, we do know that there are several factors that can affect it:

• Prolonged stress, anxiety or depression.
• Insomnia and lack of sleep for several days in a row.
• Visual impairment for long periods. For example, by staring at a screen or not wearing glasses in myopia.

• Poor posture when sleeping or sitting.

Generally, a tension headache lasts less than 15 days a month. If it lasts longer or is more frequent, it is likely that you are facing another type of disorder, such as a chronic headache. While it may be true that stress can also be the cause, doctors usually classify it as another problem.

How to treat a tension headache?

The most important secret to treating a tension headache is to find out exactly why it occurred. If you understand why it originated, you know what the most effective way to make it disappear is. To do so, ask yourself the following questions:

• What was different in the days before the headaches started?
• Have you been experiencing a lot of stress lately? If so, has it intensified in recent days?

• Have you strained your neck or back muscles in any way? This can happen during intense physical exercise.
• Do you stay in unnatural positions for a long time?
• Have you strained your eyes more than you should? For example, by staring at the screen or on the cell phone for too long?

Depending on the answers to these questions, you can resort to different strategies to combat the tension headache. For example, if you think the problem has to do with an excess of negative emotions, try practicing relaxation techniques. Consequently, you will reduce the negative effect of stress on your body.

On the other hand, if you think physical factors such as poor posture or overtraining of certain muscles cause the headache, it may be enough to change habits. For example, you can pay more attention to your posture and movements.

Do I have to go to the doctor?

In general, a tension headache should not be a cause for concern. However , it is sometimes necessary to go to a professional to check that there are no other problems. You should see a doctor if:

• The headache becomes very intense.
• They appear very suddenly.
• Other problems occur, such as loss of balance or speech problems.
• You need to take painkillers very often (more than three days a week).

In most cases, the tension headache will go away on its own. It may just be a danger signal trying to tell you that you should change some lifestyle aspects.