subject: Chronic Tension Headache Difficulties - What To Understand [print this page] The main culprits of chronic tension headaches are said to be stress and over-exertion. If you work long and hard for continuous number of hours, the muscles in the upper body will become stiff and the area around the head and shoulder will tighten resulting in severe headaches.
Chronic tension headache can happen several times in a month. The inclemency of the pain depends on the person, therefore no general level can be drawn. It is common among people of all ages although more often seen in adults. You would know that your tension headache is chronic if it occurs several times a month and for a few months consecutively. Like the severity of the pain, the duration of the headache too varies between a headache for just 30 minutes a day to one that lasts for several days.
There is however a clear distinction between a migraine and a chronic tension headache. It is crucial to be aware of these differences if you want to take over the counter prescriptions as drugs used for migraine do not always work for a chronic tension headache.
Chronic tension headache is not usually accompanied by slurred speech
A chronic tension headache is not usually accompanied by vomiting or nausea
The pain is all over the head if you have a chronic tension headache, and not just a throbbing pain in one place
It is less severe than a migraine and does not usually impede concentration and working ability
The symptoms of a chronic tension headache can include loss of appetite, a dull pain in the head, tightness around the head and around the neck and shoulders and sometimes even fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Often, irritability and sensitivity to noise may also be a symptom.
Let's explore what you can do to prevent chronic tension headaches.
Always hold a good posture, especially if you are going to be in one place for a long period of time. Verify that you re comfortable. Provide support to your neck and shoulders by adding extra comfort in a form of a pillow or cushion
Take regular breaks from work as working too hard can cause the headaches.
Exercise whenever possible
Make sure you sleep enough and you are comfortable while sleeping
Consult a physician for help if the headaches continue because you are more likely to be suffering from chronic tension headaches if over the counter medicine does not work.
Chronic Tension Headache Difficulties - What To Understand
