Most of us have already faced: the pain which increases in intensity, the pressure or the constant throbbing, that feeling of having my head in a vise and extending into the neck and shoulders. It is impossible to concentrate, and we become irritable and grouchy. It is estimated that over 45 million people suffer from tension headaches. While some are dressed as a headache and occasional passengers, others are beset by chronic pain daily. Unfortunately, the more the crisis is long, the more likely that other boring pains occur in the future: muscle aches, fatigue, difficulty getting to sleep ... And more symptoms persist, the more likely it is that evil head increases.
The tension headache
This is the most common form of headache. It can affect anyone, anytime, and is triggered by a variety of factors, the most common are stress, whether physical or mental, disruption of patterns of sleep and missed meals. The pain ranges from mild and moderate and may be in the form of strong pressure on the skull which extends into the neck or shoulders, a vice that surrounds the head and still throbbing.
The pain may increase gradually or occur suddenly and at any time of day. Although it is generally not unbearable pain can occur upon awakening and persist for several days. Muscle contraction and blood flow both influence tension headaches. When the muscle contracts, it becomes very soft and remains long after the muscle is released. Blood vessels may then be compressed or pinched by muscle stiffness, which restricts blood flow to the head. The periodic dilation of these vessels explains the sensation of throbbing pain that you may be suffering.
Many factors contribute to tension headaches. Stress, for example, is one of the most common, as poor posture. Any activity that requires you to keep your neck stiff (working on the computer, watch TV, read ...) can cause a crisis. Certain facial expressions can also cause: chewing gum, squint, or cringe.
Headache due to muscle contraction is divided into two categories: acute and episodic. In cases of acute crisis, the subject suffers from moderate pain, usually dull, the subjects with episodic headache, meanwhile, can suffer pain located anywhere in the head, neck or shoulders. These headaches can become chronic.
The chronic headaches last between several days and weeks, even months, the pain is constant or at least, appears once a day. Those who are prone to be followed medically since the counter drugs act more. Also, taking too frequently these drugs may lead to new crises.
Some tips for living with a tension headache
Use non-prescription drugs with care: if a dose is not effective, another dose does not solve the problem again, we must avoid overdose. Take only the prescribed dose
Try to eliminate your stress. Go to fresh air, breathe deeply, take drugs and set up preventive measures to avoid accumulating too much stress: get up earlier for not having to hurry, use a notebook to remember important things, keep your equipment (cars, computers) in good condition. Take time to assess and manage your stress does not "crack" at the worst time. Plan ahead: fill the tank regularly so it does not dry out, or go ahead to the airport not to miss your plane. Try to be more open and conciliatory replace the dishes later, and go have fun. Turn off your phone and enjoy a good swim uninterrupted. Learn what your limits and learn to say "no". Forgive and forget, are visiting old friends, make sure you get enough sleep each day and avoid sleeping in, that break the rhythm of sleep. At the office, offer you many short breaks to stretch. Let yourself go, laugh or a good cry or even cry. Evacuate emotions can cause a headache.
If despite this, your headaches are always so intense, use of medical professionals. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers.
Chronic daily headache
They usually occur after the overdose or overuse of medications. If taken more than three days in a row, the withdrawal symptoms are often the cause of headache. This leads to take more painkillers, but the overdose interferes with the brain area that regulates the flow of pain messages sent to the nerves. The result is a headache more painful.
Chronic daily headaches are also favored by medication containing caffeine, if it makes the pain better and faster, like a cup of coffee, this additive can cause a worsening of symptoms. So when you take painkillers, watch your caffeine intake.
To avoid the pain intensifies, follow the requirements to the letter. For example, do not take three, while the leaflet states that we must take only two. Do not take on too long. If you suffer from recurring headaches, consult a doctor.
If you suffer from severe chronic daily headache, stop taking drugs without prescription. Your body must be purged. If the symptoms become unbearable, see your doctor.
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