Cary Headache
Headaches - Tension Headaches


For many years it was believed that common headaches were caused by tension. While the causes of headaches are not completely understood, modern research contradicts the long held belief in the tension cause.

Some researchers suspect that, as with migraines, the underlying cause is more likely to be the interaction of serotonin with nerve cells. Research involving anti-depressants and other drugs that alter the levels of this neurotransmitter has provided some evidence to support the claim. But the search for an answer continues.

In the interim, the common treatments continue to apply for the vast majority of tension headache sufferers - which is just about everyone at one time or another. Though women get more headaches than men, both sexes suffer a tension-type headache at some point. Some, so-called 'chronic' cases get as many as several per month.

Though they typically last no more than a few hours, often less, they can be unpleasant and even debilitating, interfering with work and other pursuits. Treatment is often in the form of ordinary aspirin, but that wonder drug isn't suitable for everyone, since it can irritate the stomach lining.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are other common treatments and some commercial forms combine several ingredients. Excedrin, for example, contains aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine. Though acetaminophen rarely has significant side effects, it doesn't work for everyone. Ibuprofen can cause stomach upset for some users.

As with many conditions, the best cure is prevention. Here, lifestyle choices can influence the frequency and severity of tension headaches.

Though muscle tension in the head, neck, back or face may not be a primary cause, it can certainly play a part in a headache. Proper posture, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help influence tension.

Changing position while working is desirable, particularly for those at the computer for long stretches every day. Adjusting the location and position of mouse and keyboard can reduce stress on the neck and back. If you sit with one foot raised on a part of the chair, changing feet from time to time helps keep the back from tensing.

A regular exercise program keeps muscles strong, less prone to spontaneous tensing and encourages good blood flow. All those reduce the likelihood or severity of headaches.

Regular exercise also helps reduce stress and the odds of becoming stressful in the first place. Keeping tissues well oxygenated discourages headaches. One of the primary treatments for cluster headaches, for example, is a few minutes breathing of pure oxygen. Though of a different type, similar mechanisms may be at work in tension headaches.

A healthy diet works together with regular exercise to keep your body in top shape. Firm muscles, modest amounts of body fat and basic strength are built, in part, by good diet. It also supplies all the nutrients that, when present in too low amounts, can lead to tension headaches. Mineral levels play a part in headaches, as does the percentage of fluid.

More powerful medicine may be used in extreme or chronic cases. Migraines can be controlled with drugs such as triptans. There is some research that claims that tension headaches are a milder version of a migraine. Prior to taking prescription drugs, ask your doctor for advice on all treatment possibilities.

Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen - though near wonder-drugs for other conditions - are usually ineffective.

Mercury spill closes Pittsburg skate park (The Wichita Eagle)
A skateboard park in Pittsburg is closed while crews clean up liquid mercury that someone spilled. Authorities believe three juveniles spilled the toxic chemical in the skateboard section of Schlanger Park on Sunday. The contamination is confined to the skateboard area. Exposure to mercury can be harmful to the nervous and respiratory systems. Typical symptoms include headaches and nausea. ...

Quarry quarrel in East Haven (WTNH-TV New Haven)
East Haven (WTNH, Oct. 01, 2008 10:15 PM) -- After four years of headaches, neighbors of an East Haven Quarry project were hoping things would quiet down. But the project, which will make way for new housing, is going to move forward.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a solution to the 'he or she' headaches (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
The reader of this article may find s/he is as annoyed by the use of "s/he" as I am.


But aspirin and ibuprofen are to be avoided.
A balanced stance allows for freedom of movement in any direction and avoids selective tension that can cause spinal misalignment. Some contain alcohol, which can make you drowsy but actually worsen a headache. But they have the tools that can narrow them down. For more minor causes, symptomatic relief may be enough. Triptans as well as other prescribed medicines are effective in more difficult to treat cases.