How to Treat Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common form of headaches, accounting for as much as 90 percent of all occurrences of head pain. Tension headaches are often characterized by mild to moderate pain, but some tension headaches can exhibit severe pain. The good news about tension headaches is that, though they can be frequent, they are usually very easy to treat through a combination of medication and changes in diet and exercise.

Instructions

1. Know that a tension headache is often bilateral (extending from one side of the head to the other) unlike migraines or cluster headaches which just affect specific points of the head. Making this distinction is important as you should see your doctor if you think you're suffering from migraines or cluster headaches.

2. Take an over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, paracetamol or acetaminophen. These common analgesics are one of the most effective ways to treat tension headaches.

3. Close your eyes and lay down. Sometimes simple rest is enough to help relieve the tension in your head and neck. Keep your head slightly elevated, and raise your knees and legs if possible as well.

4. Consider taking a stress-management course. Stress is a leading cause of tension headaches, and when we don't know how to adequately deal with our stress we end up tensing our body. You might also consider biofeedback (understanding our body's triggers and states) as an option.

5. Couple your over-the-counter medication with caffeine and an antihistamine. Caffeine assists by constricting blood flow and helping reduce some swelling, as do antihistamines, although they are more effective when dealing with tension headaches caused by allergies.

6. Consider some homeopathic and alternative means for treating your tension headaches. Swimming and exercise can help loosen muscles and reduce stress significantly. You should also consider acupuncture and massage as additional treatment options.

Tips & Warnings

• Speak to a doctor about your headaches whenever they are intense or frequent as this may be a sign of chronic tension headaches. Chronic tension headaches may need to be treated differently than regular tension headaches.

• Be aware that there is the possibility of developing rebound headaches as a result of using over-the-counter medication to treat your tension headaches. Always fall below the daily dosage limit and, whenever possible, simply try to treat or ride out the pain without turning to medication.