Tension Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common ailments suffered in today's society; they can vary from annoying to debilitating. Around two thirds of people will experience one form of headache in their lifetime. Of these people, 10-20 % will be a chronic sufferer of headaches.

The degree of discomfort will depend on the kind of headache suffered. There are various types of headaches, such as tension headaches, migraines, and disease related headaches.

As there are several forms of headaches, this will be the beginning of a series of articles, including:

• Tension headaches (pt 1)
  
• Migraine headaches (pt 2)
  
• Cluster headaches (pt 3)
  
• Meningitis & Encephalitis (pt 4)
  

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are by far the most common of headaches suffered by the population and are thought to be brought about by stress, sitting in one position for long periods of time, and times where there is a lack of sleep. During times of high stress, the muscles in the scalp can in some people contract (tighten). This tightening can produce a band like pain sensation around the head.

If you feel you are suffering from tension headaches, make sure you see your doctor for a diagnosis to ensure you are not suffering from migraine or disease related headaches, as the treatments are different for each type.


Symptoms of tension headaches may include:

• Generalised pain around the scalp, affecting both sides of the head
  
• Pain sensation is a dull ache
  
• A burning sensation around the scalp
  
• Tenderness of the scalp, which may continue down to the neck and shoulders
  
• The headache is more likely to come with times of stress
  

Treatment

If you are a sufferer of regular tension headaches, unfortunately ridding yourself permanently of them is not as easy as taking over the counter medicines such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen. Although for short-term relief aspirin or ibuprofen are more effective than paracetamol, due to their anti-inflammatory effects. However these analgesics should not be used as a solution, as long term use of these products will have unwanted side effects and/or even permanent damage to the body.

Because tension headaches are thought to be a result of stress, the treatment is therefore aimed at reducing the amount of stress in your life, or coping more appropriately in stressful situations. It is also important to isolate underlying conflicts that are increasing your level of stress (this is important for long time sufferers). Often counselling is advised to help you cope better with stress, and hopefully reduce the incidence of your headaches.

A helpful technique to understand what triggers your headaches and the major stresses that may cause the severity of them is to keep a journal, over 1-2 months. Even on days you are not suffering a headache, write a line on what you did that day, one word for how you feel, and rate you level of stress e.g. 0= no stress, 10= the most stressed you have ever felt.

This can help you identify when your headaches are worse and in what situations they worsen. This can be extremely effective in isolating the triggers.

Relaxation techniques are also useful, from deep breathing to meditation and even regular exercise. These all help to reduce levels of stress, however you need to find one that is appropriate for you, as what may work for one person will not work for another.


- Louise Ganey (RN)