Tension headaches are a very common type of headache with an unknown cause. They often feel like a moderate pressing sensation on both sides of your head. Some areas of your scalp may be tender to touch.
Tension-Type headaches can appear alongside other headaches including migraine and medication overuse headaches.
Tension headaches can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 7 days.
There are various ways to manage and reduce tension headaches including:
– Stay well hydrated.
– Get sufficient sleep.
– Manage any other health problems.
– Nourish your body with regular meals.
– Exercise, including strengthening the neck and shoulders.
– Manage stress.
– Manual therapy to help reduce muscle tension and aid relaxation.
– Relaxation techniques.
If you suffer with frequent tension headaches that interfere with your lifestyle we suggest you seek medical attention to help you manage the situation.
A very similar condition is Cervicogenic headache.
Cervicogenic headaches are simply headaches caused by an issue in your neck. This is commonly due to irritated muscle but can also be a joint or disc problem.
You may notice your neck is stiff, and neck muscles may be sore to touch while you have a headache. Cervicogenicheadaches usually appear on just one side of your head.
The best way to manage this type of headache is to deal with the neck problem. A skilled therapist such as a Chiropractor, Osteopath or Physiotherapist can help.
You could also:
– Try over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol (if safe for you).
– Massage your neck yourself.
– Gently stretch your neck.
– Try relaxation techniques such as Box Breathing to help relax tense muscles.
– Find ways to manage stress.
– Think about factors that may be straining your neck such as carrying heavy loads on one shoulder, needing glasses, peering or squinting at a small screen etc.