Each person sooner or later faces a headache and tries to get rid of it as quickly as possible by taking medication. At the same time, few people think why it appeared, but this is an indicator that there are certain problems in the body. But if you see a doctor in time, then you can avoid the development of a complex pathology.
Types of headache
Today, doctors distinguish four types of headache:
- sinus - manifests itself in the presence of sinusitis in the anamnesis and is accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms;
- a tensive headache, which, one might say, is already the scourge of modern man, since this is often a consequence of overstrain and stress;
- the cluster type is a rather rare phenomenon, characterized by unilateral pains that appear several times a day;
- migraine - often accompanied by a feeling of nausea, numbness and weakness.
Stress - tension headache
It is no secret that although the life of a modern person is easier, when compared, for example, with the Middle Ages, nevertheless it is inextricably linked with stresses, physical and emotional overstrain. Inadequate rest and sleep lead to a deterioration in well-being. And what does a person often feel at such moments? Headache, which is called tensional.
The pain appears suddenly, gradually increasing and can last from 30 minutes to several days. This type is typical for adults.
Headache can be rare, up to 15 days a month, and can be chronic and make itself felt every day. As a rule, a person feels the approach of pain. Throughout the day, it either subsides or becomes stronger.
Risk group
American scientists are sure that from 30 to 80 percent of the entire population of the country from time to time suffer from a tensile headache. And about 3% have a chronic pathology. At risk are almost all people over 22 years old.
A number of studies have shown that such a headache is more characteristic for the female half of humanity, and women suffer from pathology 50% more often than men. In some women, the duration of pain can be from 60 to 90 days in a row.
Why is this happening?
It was clearly established that such a pathology is not inherited, although its clear causes, characteristic of most patients, have not been identified. But nevertheless, doctors identify a number of factors that can lead to this problem.
The most common causes of tensile headaches are as follows:
- lack of proper sleep;
- fasting, following a strict diet;
- constant fatigue;
- strong and stable overvoltage;
- feeling of anxiety;
- Depression and stress
- incorrect posture.
The reasons that also provoke the appearance of headaches include a strong and prolonged overstrain of the visual system, arterial hypertension, severe cold or heat, hormonal imbalance and premenstrual syndrome. In some cases, pain can occur while taking a number of medications, for example, psychostimulants.
Differences
Its main differences from other types - a tensile headache is not accompanied by a feeling of nausea or vomiting, there is no hypersensitivity to bright light or noise.
There are no symptoms that accompany migraines - decreased visual acuity and muscle weakness. In addition, with migraine, the pain is localized in one area of the head, and with pain of overstrain, unpleasant sensations are localized in the temples, in the back of the head, sometimes on the neck.
Symptomatology
On average, a number of symptoms of tensive headaches can be distinguished, which are inherent in almost every attack:
- mild to moderate pain;
- may appear in any part of the head, even on the neck;
- appears most often in the evening;
- distraction during an attack;
- irritability;
- chronic fatigue.
If the pain appeared during the day, then their intensity can vary - become stronger and weaken.
Methods of struggle
The main goal of treatment is to relieve muscle tension and prevent seizures.
Treatment of tension headache involves the following measures:
- the use of painkillers;
- in the presence of depression - the use of antidepressants;
- relaxation and good rest;
- the use of sedatives, in particular even cooked according to folk recipes;
- help of a psychologist who will help to cope with stressful situations;
- detection and elimination of a source of stress.
The first steps
First of all, with the appearance of a headache of a tensile type, you should not panic, but you need to calm down and look into the home medicine cabinet. You can use the usual and long-known “Citramon”, “Tempalgin” or “Ibuprofen”, “Paracetamol”, and other similar pharmaceuticals.
In extreme cases, if you can’t cope with the pain with ordinary painkillers, you can take antidepressants prescribed by your doctor to relieve stress and relax your muscles as quickly as possible.
With prolonged headaches, it is recommended to stretch the cervical region, of course, relax, go for a walk or do some light exercise.
If you cannot cope with the problem yourself, you will have to consult a doctor. In addition to prescribing medication, the doctor may recommend a visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist to help the patient cope with their internal problems and feelings, which are the cause of this condition. The therapist will help form a line of daily behavior. Autogenic training gives good results. In some cases, a positive result can be achieved with the help of physiotherapy, electric sleep and reflexology, a warm bath. This type of pain is well relieved by massage. It can be self-massage in the neck, a professional course or just a massage shower.
Folk ways
Stressful headache is well served with the help of recipes that were known to our ancestors.
Lavender is a plant that allows you to relieve stress as quickly as possible and cope with overstrain, therefore, and eliminate headaches. The easiest recipe: to steam several branches of a plant and drink like tea in the morning and evening. You can drop lavender essential oil into the water and breathe in pairs or add a couple of its drops to the bath.
The most affordable product is mint tea. You can buy it at a pharmacy or store and drink instead of tea several times a day.
Preventive actions
Like most diseases, a tension headache is better to prevent than to be treated later and deal with severe manifestations.
First of all, you should reconsider the diet. The diet should contain foods high in vitamin B, which allows the body to cope with excessive stress. Of the products, eggs, pig liver and oily fish are ideal.
Magnesium, like Vitamin B, helps reduce anxiety and manage stress. Magnesium is found in large quantities in walnuts, brown rice, pumpkin and cocoa powder.
Stick to the correct daily routine. Sleep should last about eight hours, at least seven. If the work is sedentary, then light exercise is needed. Be sure to follow the correct posture. In fact, it is not so difficult, only it will take some time to monitor yourself, then proper posture will become a habit.
You should learn not to worry about nothing, to avoid conflicts and stressful situations.
What should not be done
There are a number of rules that everyone should know in the presence of tensile headaches, especially with chronic manifestations of pathology. First of all, if you have a headache, you should not immediately drink all the tablets from the bottle. One is enough, just for the medicine to work, it takes time. At such moments, do not apply a heating pad or make a cooling compress. This pain did not occur against a background of fever, but for completely different reasons.
In no case, when the attack began, you can not smoke, nicotine will only worsen the condition. Naturally, alcohol will not help either. It is better to drink a cup of soothing tea, ventilate the room, and if possible, it is better to lie down and relax.
Possible complications and when to consult a doctor
Stress pain primarily reduces disability, especially if they are prolonged. Some people have to abandon their plans, even take time off or go on vacation not when they want to, but when their head hurts. Therefore, the rest mode is so important in the fight against pathology.
If the pains are sharp and severe, then you should consult a doctor, perhaps this is no longer a headache of tension. The same should be done if confusion occurs on the background of the pain, fever begins and the muscles become stiff. Watch your health, and no headache will disturb your plans.