"Stress, Overworked Muscles, Tension Headache!" Page 1, 2

Beating, Treating, and Preventing Tension Headache

Most tension headaches can be relieved by analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. There are many other ways to help achieve relief either alone or in combination with medications:

• Hot or cold packs applied to the center of the pain and the back of the neck.

• A hot, relaxing bath or shower.

• A cup or hot tea or coffee. Strange though it may seem, the very caffeine that sometimes causes headaches can also help speed relief. Caffeine can also help make analgesics more effective.

• Massaging the head and neck.

Tension headache is one of those cases where, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Tension headaches are easier to prevent than other headaches. There are a number of simple ways to reduce the severity and frequency of tension headaches:

• Stress management is key to prevention. Try to identify your stressors. If they can't be eliminated, formulate better ways to deal with them.

• Stay cool or warm. Being cold or too warm can bring on stress headaches for some people.

• Develop and maintain good posture.

• Get enough sleep and maintain a good sleep schedule.

• Avoid eye strain. Be sure to read or do other close work with adequate lighting.

• Watch your stress levels when driving. A drop or two of aromatherapy oil put on a tissue then placed on your dashboard where the sun will heat it will produce a pleasant fragrance and perhaps help you relax a bit in rush-hour traffic.

• Laugh. Play a comedy tape, think of the funniest things your kids or pets have done, do anything that makes you laugh. Laughing releases endorphins, and can actually help reduce stress and relieve mild pain.

• Don't bottle things up. Express yourself. If angry, work through your anger.

If you have chronic tension headaches, consult your doctor. It should be medically verified that your headaches are tension. In some cases of chronic tension headaches, medications such as antidepressants can help prevent them. Take medications with caution. Continuous use of medications, even simple analgesics, can result in rebound headaches.