What is a tension headache: key triggers, symptoms, treatment
A chronic headache can affect almost all aspects of your life. Annoyance, a feeling of being upset, disorganization, and even anger are some common emotions that a person may experience if suffering from continuous pain in the head. Moreover, it can bring a myriad of unpleasant and disturbing symptoms, including:
- increased sensitivity that makes it difficult to deal with average noise or light;
- apart from visual disturbance, a person may suffer due to a stiff neck, a feeling of being sleepy and lethargic, and constant weakness;
- nausea can also become a serious trouble.
However, being able to recognize the headache type, it would be much more straightforward to detect its sources and efficiently manage unpleasant sensations. So, let’s explore what is a tension headache and how to fight its signs.
What is a tension headache and what are the main causes
One of the most widespread types of pain in the head and the most frequent complaint with which patients seek medical help from neurologists or internists is known as a tension headache. The degree of painful sensations may vary and can be of mild to moderate intensity. It is of primary importance to find the right approach to eliminate pain because ignoring it and leaving it untreated can have complications and consequences:
- performance and energy levels, as well as the quality of life of patients, will be decreased;
- deteriorated well-being will have a negative impact on your mood, sleep, and overall health;
- the duration of one episode can last from half an hour to several days;
- as a rule, it is not accompanied by a feeling of sickness, however, there may be an increased sensibility to external stimuli mentioned earlier (loud sounds or bright light).
Unfortunately, the true cause and main triggers have not been detected yet. There is an assumption that the increased pain sensitivity may occur due to genetic factors. At the same time, it is possible to highlight factors that can escalate the pain and prolong the episode. Thus, the main cause of this type of headache is chronic psychoemotional stress. Neuroses, abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy, known as asthenia, head injury are also on the list.
Tension headache symptoms and common remedies
The main characteristics of the headache are deep pain and a feeling of tightness in the area of the forehead. Moreover, the patient can be easily annoyed or made angry and suffer from extreme tiredness, insomnia, a loss of appetite, and an inability to focus. Tension headache treatment usually includes a very wide range of methods from getting rid of bad habits and adjusting lifestyle to the proper selection of drugs in an adequate dose. For most episodes of moderate intensity, over-the-counter analgesics are effective. Massage of the painful area also brings relief.
In most patients, especially those who experience depression and a feeling of severe despondency, as well as muscle tension, non-drug methods, such as psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, water procedures, physical activity, can deliver positive effects. In most cases, using methods of psychological and muscle relaxation, which are especially effective in combination with drug therapy, is essential.
Obtain a timely comprehensive medical care
Being aware of what is a tension headache and how to handle pain when it occurs can boost your well-being. However, to choose the right drug therapy, prevent future episodes, as well as to exclude any dangerous diseases, as sometimes such headache attacks can be symptoms of life-threatening and dangerous diseases, it is imperative to consult a qualified and competent doctor who can come up with a great medical tactic to eliminate all signs that affect you.
