How to relieve tension headache

Tension headache is a type of headache that is caused by stiff muscles in the neck, back and scalp due to various factors such as poor posture, stress, anxiety or a bad night's sleep.

Thus, to relieve this type of headache is very important to be able to relax and for this, one can do a massage on the scalp, take a hot bath one do an activity that one likes, for example.

However, when the headache does not improve, it may be necessary to see a neurologist or general practitioner to start treatment with medications such as:

• Analgesics, such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Naproxen: are usually the first remedies used to relieve this type of headache;
• Combination of remedies, such as aspirin with caffeine: are used when pain relievers can not relieve headache;
• Triptans, such as Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan: are used in the most severe cases or in cases where there is also a frequent migraine.

In addition, it is also important to avoid all situations that can cause physical or emotional tension, such as staying in the same position for too long, sleeping in an inappropriate position, or organizing work to do in a short time.

How to Identify Symptoms of Tension Headache

The headache caused by the excess tension can be identified through this type of symptoms:

• Pain in the form of pressure, as if it had a helmet on the head;
• Pain that affects both sides, at the nape or forehead;
• Excessive sensitivity to the shoulders, neck, and hairy scalp;

This type of headache typically arises after periods of great physical or emotional stress, accompanied by tiredness and usually for about 30 minutes.

Tension headache can occur several times during the month, and when it happens more than 15 times it is recommended to consult a neurologist to start treatment with medicines that help prevent its onset.

Physiotherapy helps prevent seizures of tension headache

Physiotherapy sessions can also be very important in some cases to lengthen the muscles of the neck and head area, facilitating relaxation and improving blood circulation to the site that reduces the onset of symptoms.

Here are some exercises that can be done to stretch these muscles: Stretching exercises for the neck.

How to do massage to relieve tension headache

A great massage to relieve the tension headache is:

1. Let the hair loose and support both hands on the head, without rings or bracelets;
2. Gently massage with your fingertips, in a circular motion from the neck to the entire scalp;
3. Hold firmly the proximal part of the hair root and pull it gently, making circular movements until all the hair has already been "pulled";
4. Gently turn your neck from side to side, and from front to back and feel the relief that comes gradually.

To improve the effect of this massage, you should still take a relaxing hot bath before, so that the muscles can stretch more easily and relieve all the tension accumulated.

In addition, natural analgesics can be associated with the following:

If you are not sure if this is your type of headache, see other causes: How to identify and treat each type of headache.