Suffering with headaches has to be one of the most irritating pains experienced, leaving you struggling to concentrate on even the simplest of tasks. Not only do they affect your concentration, but also your mood. That’s why here at the Northwich Foot Clinic we have put together a guide all about tension headache relief so that you can finally get rid of that nagging pain.
What Causes A Tension Headache?
There are many factors that can contribute to tension headaches, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, depression, squinting, dehydration and head injury. The triggering factors cause the neck and scalp muscles to become tense and contract, which in turn causes a tension headache. They are one of the most common forms of headache and most common in late teenage years or adulthood.
How To Identify A Tension Headache…
When you’ve got a cracking headache, the last thing you want to do is sit there analysing your symptoms to work out your headache type, you just want relief. However, it’s important to understand what type of headache you’re suffering with to be able to treat it the most effectively.
Telltale tension headache signs and symptoms include:
- A dull, aching pain in the head.
- Pressure behind the eyes.
- Tightened neck muscles.
What Is The Best Tension Headache Relief?
Of course, there are always options with over the counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen. These are great for quick relief. We also have a guide of extra things to try to reduce your headache at home, so trying these out may be worth it first. However, if you’re suffering with chronic tension headaches, there are other more effective ways to treat them which you may not have considered, such as massage therapy.
Massage can target the affected muscles around the head and the neck, gently releasing the tension surrounding them. Osteopath sessions are the best option as they are known to treat the symptoms of headaches. Working to reduce stress levels and improve muscle tightness, they naturally relieve pain for a more relaxed, comfortable state of mind.
How To Prevent Tension Headaches…
It’s important to regularly exercise as well as take time to relax to prevent tension headaches. If you’re suffering from them a lot, keep a diary of when you’re getting the headaches to help you identify any specific triggers. You should also visit a doctor if it’s really starting to affect you to ensure that you’re not missing any underlying causes.
If you’re suffering with tension headaches and need some longer-lasting relief, you can book in with us online for an osteopath massage session.
