Tension Headache Medication

Sometimes it is very difficult to tell the difference between a tension headache or a migraine. While tension headaches are the most common headache type the fact that nausea may accompany either headache confuses things.

Other aspects of tension headaches that are confused with migraine are that scalp muscle tenderness is seen in both types.

A tension headache feels like a band tightening around your head. Almost as if you are wearing a hat that is too tight.

Did you know that the lowest incidence of tension headache is in China? Is is because they practice relaxation techniques in the east far more than westerners?

Alright then..now what?

Tension headaches can limit your ability to perform daily activities.

If they occur more than 2-3 times a week you may be moving into CTTH (chronic tension type headache). This can be a form of chronic daily headache. When headaches become chronic then they are a form of invisible chronic illness.

• Tension Headache Treatment

If your headaches are more severe, then you need to look at the cause of these headaches...(here we go again!)...stress. Lifestyle changes in response to stress, can go a long way in helping with your headaches.

Also you need to look at the possiblity of anxiety and depression fueling these headaches, much the same as they do in other headaches and chronic pain.

Counseling is an excellent way to help you develop coping skills when overwhelmed with stress. Visit completecouselingsolutions.com to find a therapy solution that works best for you.

Another excellent coping mechanism for tension headache is learning biofeedback for stress reduction.

If you live alone, this too is an additional stressor. Lack of human touch has been shown in psychological studies to increase the risk of depression.

One of the best ways to remedy this is to have massage therapy on a regular basis.

Now I am not saying weekly, especially if cost is an issue. But a massage once every month or two can go a long way in reducing stress.

Chronic tension headaches that have moved into daily headaches, may respond very well to low doses of Elavil. Often this is due to overuse of tension headache medication. or Depakote.

In any event, you should discuss your options with your health care provider and perhaps consider being seen by a headache expert, if your tension headaches are now becoming chronic.

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