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Don’t Let a Tension Headache get in the Way of Your Life

Nearly all of us have experienced a tension headache at one time or another. Some describe them as a tight band around the forehead, and others think of a vice around their entire head. The pain can range from mild to severe and they can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks. 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 days a month and happen much more frequently in women than men. Sometimes, the pain of chronic tension headaches can be nearly constant in nature.

Symptoms

Of course the most obvious sign of a tension headache 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 headaches do not always require medical attention, since they can often be treated quite effectively at home.

Treatment

The best treatment for a tension headache 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. If you find yourself treating your tension headaches more often, it may be time to see your doctor for safer, more effective options for you.

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