The amount of pain caused by tension headaches can often be reduced by a number of home care strategies:
- Using an ice pack and lying down in a dark or quiet room
- Taking a hot shower
- Taking a walk or removing yourself from the stressful situation
- Learn relaxation strategies such as deep breathing or meditation
In addition, there are a few ways you can work to prevent tension headaches from occurring:
- Add exercise to your daily routine.
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep or are not sleeping too much
- Eat healthy foods and do not skip meals
- Take time to relax each day. Putting aside even 15 minutes each day to meditate or just relax can add to the feeling of overall well-being and reduce stress
Stress is considered to be one of the most common triggers of tension headaches. Receiving treatment for your anxiety can help to reduce the frequency and the intensity of headaches.
Treatment for anxiety often consists of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
References:
[1] “Tension Headaches”, Updates 2007, June, written by familydoctor.org editorial staff, American Academy of Family Physicians
‘Tension Headaches”, 2005, April, CNNHealth.com
