A look into the causes and treatment of tension headache

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The common headache has a name, and it is called tension headache. It is typically described as mild to moderate pain behind the eyes, head, and neck and is often compared to a tight headband. Dr. Curtis Cripe explains more in this article about its possible causes, symptoms, and treatment.

A major factor that often comes out as a likely cause of tension headaches is muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. Other possible causes can either be stress or hectic activities. Even staring at a computer screen for a long time or driving for an extended period can cause tension headache, points out Dr. Curtis Cripe.

The symptoms are usually dull, aching pain. There is pressure around the head, like a tight band, and marked tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles. Moreover, Dr. Curtis Cripe reveals that tension headache has two categories. First is "episodic tension headache," which occurs for less than 15 days a month for three months. The second is "chronic tension headache," which occurs for 15 or more days in a month for three months.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe suggests the following in treating tension headache: sleep and wake at the same time each day, exercise for 30 minutes daily, skip no meals, especially breakfast, rest in a quiet and, if possible, dark room, manage stress with relaxation exercises, and drink medicines as per the doctor's advice. Lastly, avoid things that may trigger tension headache, like certain foods, alcohol, lack of sleep, and so much more.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., is the director of research and development at the NTL Group, which uses neuroengineering technology that repairs brain dysfunction to treat addiction, head injury (TBI), depression, anxiety, memory disorders, and neurodevelopmental delays in children with learning disorders. For more updates, visit this blog.