Headache caused by stress, which is called tension headache in medical term, is a common problem. But the number of its victims is so high that four out of every five people suffer from it. Be they young or old. Here we are talking about its prevention and treatment methods.
Sedentary lifestyle and increasing screen time has given rise to many diseases. In this, tension is becoming the biggest problem in the present time. Due to this, complaints of tension headache are increasing among people. According to the World Health Organization, more than 70% of the world's population suffers from tension headache. This means that if 5 people live in the house then 3-4 people are facing this problem.
So today we will talk about tension headache. We will know what are its symptoms and what can be its treatment or prevention measures.
Identify the symptoms of tension headache (How tension headache occur)
- pain on both sides of head
- Mild pain, which feels like a band around the head
- pain in the neck or back of the head
- having difficulty concentrating
- irritability or fatigue
- Pain does not increase with physical activity
What are the most common causes of tension headache?
1 Chronic stress
There are two types of tension headache, the first is occasional headache and the second is constant headache. According to research by Harvard Health, the root cause of both of these is stress. When you are stressed for a short period of time, you may have a temporary tension headache. But when this stress becomes a part of your daily routine, then you have to face constant tension headache.
2 Overburden
This second reason is actually the root of the first reason. Dr. Vineet Banga says, “In such situations, when you have to work more than your capacity, or you are not able to meet the expectation, then you become a victim of tension headache. Indian women, whether they are homemakers or working women, they all live under stress.
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Society has set some unrealistic goals for them, which it is not possible for anyone to achieve. It is also a result of conditioning that they keep working by wearing a bandage on their head or taking painkillers.”
3 Cold, flu and other respiratory issues
Headache is one of the most common problems that you face due to respiratory problems. If you have cold, cough, fever or any kind of viral infection, you may get headache even before fever.
4 Eye strain
Our eyes are very delicate. But we have put all the responsibility of work, entertainment and relaxation on them. Regardless of the fact that the eyes also feel strain and fatigue. When you put extra strain on your eyes, you may still face strain and headaches.
5 Dental health issues
This may sound strange, but it is true. Whenever you have any problem related to teeth or gums, you start having pain in the mouth and jaw as well as in the head. Sometimes this pain is very confusing and you are not able to understand whether it is happening in the ear or in the head.
What are the trigger points of tension headache?
There are some reasons responsible for every health related problem. Certain situations, diets, and lifestyle can trigger tension headaches. There are some reasons which can trigger tension headache –
- Constantly being in a situation for which you cannot find a solution.
- Unwanted stress that is difficult to deal with
- staring at the screen too long
- physical or mental fatigue
- smoking
- Excessive consumption of caffeine (coffee)
- working while sitting or lying down with poor posture
- Feeling pressure due to family, office or relationships
- drink less water
- lack of sleep
- being hungry or not getting enough nutrition
- Dependence on alcohol, drugs etc. to relieve stress
Due to all these reasons given above, stress increases and due to this the problem of headache occurs. To avoid headaches caused by stress, you have to avoid the above trigger points. This is the most effective solution. But we can understand that this will not be easy for anyone. Therefore, you should also know ways to deal with tension headache.
How to deal with tension headache
1 Understand and avoid trigger points (Avoid triggers)
This is the most effective way to know the reasons that trigger tension headache. Avoiding them is the most successful way that can save you from this problem.
2 Drink adequate amount of water
Headache can also occur due to dehydration or lack of water in the body. This problem can occur not only in hot weather but also in winter. When you don't drink enough water. People who stay in front of air conditioners all day may also face any kind of headache more often due to dehydration.
3 Adopt relaxation techniques
Director of Neurology Department, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad Dr. Vineet Banga Suggest that any activity that relaxes you can prevent tension headaches. Be it taking a half-hour nap or listening to music of your choice. Some people feel relaxed by dancing or Zumba. This can also save you from stress.
4 Breathing exercises
Yoga and pranayama can also help you avoid headaches caused by stress and tension. Especially breathing exercises. When you take a deep breath, oxygen is supplied to your brain through breathing. It calms the nerves of the brain and reduces stress and pain.
5 ice packs
If you are experiencing severe headache due to stress, placing an ice pack can be a quick remedy. But keep in mind that do not do this as soon as you return from being out in the sun. Otherwise it may cause headache. Use ice packs only when you feel comfortable with the room temperature.
6 Talk to an expert (Take expert advice)
Trying to treat every problem yourself or searching for it on Google can make your problem worse. Dr Vineet Banga says, if you are experiencing frequent or persistent tension headaches and it is affecting your daily routine, then it is important that you talk to your health care provider or specialist. Headache is a common symptom of many other problems. Therefore ignoring it can sometimes be dangerous.
7 Have a healthy sleep
Sometimes, lack of sleep can also trigger a headache. Therefore, one must take at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. Sometimes sleeping too much can also cause this problem. Therefore one should avoid sleeping too much.
When to consult a Doctor
Sometimes tension headache increases so much that it starts affecting our daily life activities. In such a situation, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Consult a doctor if such problems occur:
- Tension headache is increasing or its frequency is increasing.
- If a person is above 50 years of age and has no history of headache.
- Headache is occurring due to some medical condition.
- Due to headache, there is difficulty in speaking or blurred vision occurs.
- If the headache is so severe that you feel your head will burst, or such pain has never happened before.
- Even if a headache is triggered during pregnancy, it is important to consult a doctor because many medicines are not safe during this period.
- If medication is needed more than 3 times a week to relieve headaches or the medication that previously used to relieve headaches no longer works.
- Headache is causing changes in behaviour, thinking or consciousness.
Also read – If you drink tea for headache, fatigue and to digest food, then we have 4 healthy options for you.
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