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Tension Headaches
Headaches are extremely common. Most headaches disappear on their own, or with the help of mild pain relievers. Although most headaches are mild and temporary annoyances, some people have headaches that are so severe they need to consult a doctor for pain relief.
Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors. The most common cause of headaches is prolonged tension or stress. These are called tension headaches. Virtually everyone suffers from this at some time. Muscles in your scalp, neck, and face tighten and contract, causing spasms and pain.
Psychological factors such as anxiety, fatigue, and stress as well as mechanical factors such as neck strain are often the culprits behind a typical tension headache.
It’s critical that you seek emergency medical care if you experience a headache that:
- gets worse over days or weeks
- is accompanied by impaired neurological function (e.g., loss of balance, weakness, numbness, or speech disturbance) and double vision (could signal a stroke)
- is accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting or changes in vision
- is accompanied by seizures, mental disturbances, and loss of consciousness
- is associated with a fever or stiff neck (could signal meningitis)
- is different than the usual pattern of headaches you have experienced
- strikes suddenly with great intensity
- wakes you from sleep or is worse when you lie down
- has occurred for the first time ever after the age of 40
Since tension headaches are caused by controllable factors, treatment involves eliminating the stressful situation if possible. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and finding ways to relax, rest, correct posture, and get regular exercise can all help relieve and prevent headache pain. Other medications may need to be prescribed if the headaches are more severe.
Speak to your Pharmasave pharmacist today if you have questions!