Tension Headache Symptoms
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Don’t Let Tension Headache Symptoms get in the Way of Your Life
Nearly all of us have experienced tension headache symptoms at one time or another. Some people describe them as a tight band around the forehead, causing pressure, but others say it feels like a vice around their head is a better description. The pain can range from mild to severe and they can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks, which if you ask me is too long to be in pain. There are two classifications of tension headaches that doctors refer to. The first is called episodic, and these consist of headaches that only last a few minutes to a few hours, and occur fifteen or fewer times each month. The other type is chronic, and these headaches occur fifteen or more times a month and happen much more frequently in women than men. Sometimes, the pain of chronic tension headache symptoms can be nearly constant in nature and if this happens you should try a lifestyle change, including stress management, regular exercise and dietary changes (maybe even switch to organic foods) to help prevent chronic tension headaches from occurring on a regular basis.
Symptoms
Of course the most obvious sign of tension headache symptoms is the pain, but there are other types of symptoms that you can experience as well. Your scalp, neck and shoulders may become tender to the touch. You may suffer from fatigue, difficulty sleeping and irritability. It may be difficult to concentrate on daily tasks, and you might even experience a loss of appetite. Some people will also have neck or jaw discomfort. This type of headache is not generally associated with vision disturbances, however. If you see an aura or experience blind spots in your line of vision with your headache, you may instead be having a migraine. These headaches can cause other symptoms as well, and often need your doctor’s assistance to overcome. On the other hand, tension headache symptoms do not always require medical attention, since they can often be treated quite effectively at home.
Treatment
The best treatment for a tension headache symptoms is often an over the counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. The best type of medication will depend on your own personal needs and preferences, so keep trying the different brands and formulas until you find the one that works the best on your headaches. Many people find that the best relief comes from a combination of medications. For example, Excedrin has a formula that includes aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine for maximum benefit. Keep in mind that any over the counter medication can have dangerous side effects if it is overused, so limit your doses to two times each week to avoid problems. Natural remedies are another way to try and treat tension headaches and some that I recommend would be herbal teas and Chinese herbs. If you find yourself treating your tension headache symptoms more often, it may be time to see either switch to a more natural non-addictive formula or contact your doctor for safer, more effective options.
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