What are tension headaches? A ten...

What are tension headaches?

A tension headache is a doltish achy feeling on both sides of the head. a certain quantity of people with tension headaches also have a tight feeling in their head or neck muscles. Tension headaches start slowly usually in the middle of the day. Another name for this impressed sign of headache is "stress headache." Tension headaches can be mild or real bad. Sometimes they hurt more than migraine headaches.

for what reason are tension headaches diagnosed?

Your doctor usually can relate what kind of headache you have by means of examining you and hearing you talk about the pain. family tests, x-rays, or brain scans usually are not needed

by what means are tension headaches treated?

If you have tension headaches solely once in a while, an over-the-counter medicine probably can help. Check the medicine's label for possible side imports and to see if it's safe to take with other medicines. Always read and go after the directions on the label carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have tension headaches almost each day or if over-the-counter medicines don't help your pain, you should descry a doctor. He or she may prescribe a certain quantity of medicine that you take and nothing else when you have a headache. It's best to treat tension headaches when they begin, before they master more painful.

Your doctor also may prescribe a medicine that you take each day, even when you don't have a headache. This medicine may help withhold you from getting tension headaches. If your tension headaches don't procure better, or if they win worse, you should see your doctor.

What otherwise can I do to help with the pain?

Here are a certain other things you can do to help your headaches:

* bring forward a heat pack or an ice pack forward your head or neck

* Take a of high temperature shower

* win enough sleep

* Take time away from things that are stressful This could mean doing anything from taking a brief walk to going in succession a long vacation

* memorize regular exercise of all images Work up to exercising for 30 to 60 minutes, four to six times a week.

COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group