How to Relieve a Tension Headache

Stress, depression, hunger, dehydration, lack of sleep, change in daily routine, alcohol, and foods are some of many reasons for tension headaches. How can you relieve a tension headache? The first step is to find out what caused the headache.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• rest
• headache diary
• water

1. Tension headaches occur occasionally and go away with either over-the-counter drugs or home remedies. Daily activities are still possible because the pain is mild to moderate.

2. 
    

   If you are prone to tension headaches, consider keeping a headache diary. Keep a list of what you are eating, drinking, and your daily activities. This will help you discover what is causing the tension headache than you can omit the situation from your life.

3. What can you do to relieve the tension headache? There are a multitude of ways to relieve a headache from taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol to trying home remedies. Over-the-counter remedies are O.K. if not taken all the time. Your body will eventually adapt to the medicine. Try taking the medicine with tea or coffee. A small amount of caffeine will help the medicine work faster, but if you're a caffeine addict, this is not advisable.

4. 
    

   Sometimes a nap will help relieve the pain or try to relax and visualize a calm scene. Some headaches are brought on by stress, so relaxation is all you need. Consider a hot shower for 20 minutes if you don't have cardiovascular problems.

5. A hot compress on the forehead or back of the neck may work. Try 2 wet peppermint tea bags on the eyelids. Hold peppermint oil on a tissue to your nose and breathe in the scent. Another soothing approach is to mix peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl. Take a cotton ball and pat the mixture on your forehead and temples.

6. 
    

   Drink a glass of water. Some headaches are caused by dehydration.

7. If your headaches are severe, it's time to see a doctor. These headaches are throbbing, stabbing pain that can include nausea. They occur often and are difficult to get rid of. The headaches may be migraines, cluster headaches, eye related, or a medical condition.

Tips & Warnings

• If your body has come to rely on caffeine, missing the caffeine can cause the headache. Taking the caffeine will start a cycle of more dependency. Consider withdrawing from caffeine slowly.

Resources

• More Articles by Hapworth

[Hode]

on 7/31/2008 I hate having tension headaches! My summertime remedy is swimming- very relaxing and refreshing.

[klnygaard]

on 7/30/2008 good info--i had one today, it lasted forever--will use your advise next time

[02SmithA]

on 7/30/2008 I get these quite a bit. I have had the most luck with warm compresses. 5*

[Cherst1031]

on 7/30/2008 Very helpful information, lots to consider.

[oneloved]

on 7/30/2008 Good info! The caffeine idea works when the headache is caused by caffeine withdrawal.