Tension Headaches!

Headache Relief.

Headaches

An Introduction To Tension Headaches

It would appear obvious that tension headaches are the result of tension but, although for a lot of years this has been believed to be the cause of this type of headache, modern thinking is that this isn't in fact the case, though no alternative cause has as yet been firmly established.

Today it's thought far more plausible that tension headaches result from the interaction of serotonin with certain nerve cells and research using drugs which alter the level of serotonin in the body would appear at this phase to support this hypothesis. Nonetheless, there's still a good deal of research to be done before we find a unequivocal answer.

Meanwhile however treatments developed over the years for what we now more properly refer to a 'tension-type' rather than 'tension' headaches continue to be good for a headache which most everyone will have experienced at some point in the life.

Tension-type headaches are more prevalent in women than in men and, while they commonly occur infrequently, some people do suffer from chronic tension-type headaches experiencing them on a regular basis numerous times a month. In average cases they generally last for just a few hours but can frequently be quite draining and prevent you from going about your normal day-to-day business. In a lot of cases a simple aspirin is all that's needed to treat the condition, though some people do need to be heedful as aspirin may irritate the lining of the stomach. There are however a lot of other treatments available, including combination drugs, and common alternatives include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and Excedrin. In all cases it is a question of ascertaining which works better for you.

While with most things in life prevention is better than cure and tension-type headaches are no exception to this rule. This means regular physical exercise, a good and balanced diet and correct posture because, while muscle tension in the head, neck, shoulders and back may no longer be considered the primary cause of tension-type headaches, it for certain plays an significant part in the overall equation.

But things such as altering your position on a regular basis and not sitting still in one position for too long can work wonders, as can ensuring that your chair is properly adjusted and your keyboard and mouse are correctly positioned when working at your computer. Also make sure that you are not sleeping on a worn-out mattress and that your pillow allows for adequate support for your head and neck while you're sleeping.

Regular exercise as well helps to keep your muscles strong and healthy and to sustain a good blood supply which will decrease the incidence of headaches, as well as their severity. Additionally, regular exercise guarantees a good supply of oxygen to your entire body and a lack of adequate oxygen supply is another factor which many doctors consider to be significant when it comes to touching off a headache.

For a minority of people tension headaches can be rather severe and normal nonprescription medications simply don't do the trick. In these cases it is though that such tension headaches are in fact similar to a mild form of migraine and you had better consult your physician for a recommendation on treatment.