Have you ever heard the term tension headache? If not, then this blog will give you a thorough understanding of the same, so that you can consult the Best Neurologist in Ludhiana. Let’s understand about the same along with its symptoms & causes.
What is a tension headache?
Tension headache is one of the headache types. The individuals can notice moderate, mild, or intense pain behind the eyes & in the neck & head. Some individuals categorize it as a tight hand covered around the forehead. Tension headaches occur in episodes around 1 or 2 times per month. If your headache lasts for more than 15 days you need to consult the doctor. Women are 2 times at more risk of getting a tension headache. Consulting the best neurosurgeon in Punjab will give you a better understanding of how to manage this type of headache.
What are the major causes of a tension headache?
Tension headache occurs due to muscle contraction occurring in the neck and head area. The reason for contractions is certain activities, food, and stressors. In certain cases, staring at the computer screen for a long time or after driving for a long hour can result in problems.
Additional causes of tension headache
- Alcohol
- Eyestrain
- Dry eyes
- Fatigue
- Smoking
- A cold or flu
- A sinus infection
- Caffeine
- Poor posture
- Emotional stress
- Decreased water intake
- Lack of sleep
- Skipping meals
What are the signs and symptoms of a tension headache?
- Dull head pain
- Pressure around the forehead
- Tenderness around the scalp & forehead
In most cases, the pain is mild or moderate but sometimes it can be unbearable. You should not confuse this situation with migraines. WIth migraine, you will notice nausea and vomiting which is not there with tension headache.
Treatment for tension headache
How to take care of yourself if you have a tension headache?
- Increase the water intake as much as you can. Along with water intake, you need to sleep on time.
- Make sure that you do not skip any meal.
In case, the above tips don’t help you with your tension headache then you might take ibuprofen or aspirin (OTC medications).
*But, you should not take the OTC medications in excess, otherwise it can result in other health issues. Consult the doctor on how much you can take.
When you consult the doctor he will prescribe you medications like ketorolac, indomethacin, opiates, naproxen, and prescription-strength acetaminophen. If this does not help you, then you will be given a muscle relaxant.
Additional treatment for tension headache
- Take part in stress management classes to help you deal with stress and tension.
- Biofeedback is a relaxation method that makes it easier to manage pain and stress.
- CBT therapy can also help in this situation
- Sometimes acupuncture is suggested to relieve the stress
Consult the best neurologist
If you are experiencing a headache and it is resulting in symptoms like slurred speech, high fever, and loss of balance then consult the doctor without any delay. Dr. Jhawar is one of the best neurosurgeons who takes proper care of the patients and gives customized treatment only after evaluating the patient’s condition.