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:
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Hot or cold packs applied to the center of
the pain and the back of the neck.
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A hot, relaxing bath or shower.
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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.
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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:
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Stress management is key to prevention. Try
to identify your stressors. If they can't be eliminated,
formulate better ways to deal with them.
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Stay cool or warm. Being cold or too warm can
bring on stress headaches for some people.
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Develop and maintain good posture.
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Get enough sleep and maintain a good sleep
schedule.
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Avoid eye strain. Be sure to read or do other
close work with adequate lighting.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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