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.
Calcium is essential in the biochemistry that allows the heart to function, but too much can be a problem.
How to Get Rid of and Prevent Headaches (Part 1)
To see the other parts, visit http://www.youtube.com/profile_play_list?user=NTDTV
and choose 1d Health and Healing
Sick of getting headaches and migraines? Tired of the conventional methods that don't work? Dr. Damon Noto introduces to you a number of different ways to deal with your headaches. Discover botox, reflexology, acupuncture and Chinese herbs to help you cope.
Please visit www.NTDTV.com for more episodes.
Author: NTDTV
Keywords: how to get rid of headache prevent migraine health healing medicine chinese botox NTDTV relief tension western
Added: September 22, 2008
buspar orgasm
buspar dopamine buspar frequently asked questions buspar celexa buspar bowel movement buspar treatment of anxiety buspar and klonopin worked awesome buspar tapering buspar for tension headaches length of buspar withdrawals hair loss in dogs using buspar
Author: marisoleggerudoluh
Keywords: health
Added: September 24, 2008
indication tramadol
compounding drugs tramadol ibuprofen tramadol buy tramadol tension headache actos aciphex cardizem cd tramadol ic tramadol ordering tramadol online tramadol results on a drug test tramadol worse tramadol sale tramadol order overnight saturday delivery
Author: yancytestanieu
Keywords: health
Added: September 26, 2008
In cases where the headache is the effect of some serious underlying neurologic or other condition, such as a brain tumor, physicians can look for those factors when headaches are reported. Inhaling steam can help reduce and eliminate mucus. There are many common contributors - stress, diet, posture and over 300 different medical conditions - yet precisely what produces that dull ache remains a mystery. There are risks associated with drugs as well as with surgery. Because the pain is so intense, however, the effects can be perceived to spread to other parts of the head.
|
