What is intractable tension headache?
Intractable headache is “doctor speak” for that headache that just doesn’t seem to go away, no matter what you and your doctor do. The headache may be migraine or another kind of headache, or a combination of two or more different headache types.
What are the main features of the tension type headache?
Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include: Dull, aching head pain. Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head. Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles.
What medicine is best for a tension headache?
Simple OTC pain relievers are usually the first line of treatment for reducing headache pain. These include the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve). Prescription medications include naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin) and ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine).
What causes tension type headache?
Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, head injury, or anxiety. They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and older teens. It is slightly more common in women and tends to run in families.
Why am I getting tension headaches?
What causes tension headaches everyday?
Many chronic tension headaches develop for no apparent reason. Working long hours bent over a computer may trigger them. Some people get tension headaches if they drink too much caffeine or alcohol, if they don’t drink enough water or if they go for a long time between meals and become tired and hungry.
How do you make a tension headache go away?
The following may also ease a tension headache:
- Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your head for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.
- Take a hot bath or shower to relax tense muscles.
- Improve your posture.
- Take frequent computer breaks to prevent eye strain.
How long does a tension type headache last?
A tension-type headache may last for 30 minutes or (less commonly) months. In general, episodic tension headache symptoms tend to come on slowly and end sooner. They often happen in the middle of the day. Episodic headaches usually don’t last longer than a week.
How do you stop chronic tension headaches?
What are the treatments for chronic tension headache?
- Painkillers. You may well be used to taking painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
- Treating the cause: diary.
- Stress and depression.
- Regular exercise.
- Physiotherapy.
- Acupuncture.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Preventative medication.
Is heat or cold better for tension headaches?
Go hot or cold. Applying heat or ice — whichever you prefer — to sore muscles may ease a tension headache. For heat, use a heating pad set on low, a hot-water bottle, a warm compress or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower also may help. For cold, wrap ice, an ice pack or frozen vegetables in a cloth to protect your skin.
How to tell if you have a tension headache?
Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include: 1 Dull, aching head pain 2 Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head 3 Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
What causes tension headaches in face and neck?
Experts used to think tension headaches stemmed from muscle contractions in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests muscle contraction isn’t the cause. The most common theory supports a heightened sensitivity to pain in people who have tension headaches.
What causes muscle pain in a tension headache?
Increased muscle tenderness, a common symptom of tension headaches, may result from a sensitized pain system.
How to get rid of tension in the head?
Slowly roll your head side to side to find tight knots. When you feel a muscle knot (tender area) hold that position for 10-15 seconds until you feel the knot loosen. You can work on the muscles for up to 5 minutes, which will help release muscle tension in your suboccipital muscles to reduce headaches. Place 2 fingers at the bottom of your chin.
