Headaches Caused by Tension
Headache caused by tension is manifested by a constant pain or tightness in the forehead and temples or neck.
Usually, the headache is mild or slight and does not impede daily activities.
But there are cases in which pain is severe, continuous, or intermittent. This type of headache is common and tends to reoccur, especially in times of stress.
Episodes of headache caused by tension may last from 30 minutes to several days.
The frequency and severity of headaches caused by feelings of tension can be prevented by reducing muscle tension and avoiding triggers, such as anxiety, stress, fatigue, hunger, anger, improper position, or fatigue.
If headaches are caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or back, the position and posture in daily activities should be adjusted.
Headaches in children
Headaches in children are common and not usually serious.
As with adults, children may experience different types of headaches, including migraine headaches triggered by stress (tension), and chronic headaches.
In some cases, the symptom is caused by an infection, high levels of stress, anxiety, or minor head trauma.
If headaches occur due to tension in children, they may be related to stressful situations at school, tests, or other school-related events (competitions, festivals).
Headaches also can be caused by insufficient sleep. If the pain does not improve with analgesics, then children must consult a doctor.
Migraine-type headaches can recur throughout life.
By early high school, most boys who had migraines get over it, but in girls, these headaches may persist due to hormonal changes.
During adolescence, migraines occur with a frequency of three times higher for girls than for boys.
Drug treatment of headaches
Headaches may be diminished after the administration of drugs that do not require a prescription, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or aspirin).
If pain is severe may be necessary to administer prescription drugs, like antidepressants, to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain.
Also can be tried complementary therapies (acupuncture or meditation), to relieve stress and prevent headaches.
Elimination or reduction of stress, depression, or anxiety can reduce the frequency of headaches due to tension.
The best therapy for pain includes the administration of these drugs in combination with therapies to reduce stress.
Non-drug therapies to reduce stress
– Biofeedback is a relaxation method that helps to achieve the control of body functions that are not usually under voluntary control, such as muscle tension.
– Relaxation exercises, the person focuses on relaxing each muscle group separately
– Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin, in certain areas of the body to produce energy flow along the meridians of the body (acupuncture may be useful in treating headaches)
– Transcutaneous nerve electrical stimulation, which causes pain reduction
– Cognitive-behavioral therapy or problem-solving therapy in psychological therapy sessions
– Yoga
– Meditation