Tension Headache

Question: How do you get rid of a tension headache? I have this horrible tension headache but there are few meds I can take. I had a reaction to Excedrin tension headache and there are many cold medicines that don't react well. Unfortunately, I don't know until my ears swell up and turn numb while my body itches with hives and I have to go the er once again.

Answer: Try Head-On. I bought it as a fluke & was amazed at how well it works. You can also try Active-On. Rub it on the back of your neck & your shoulder blades. Amazing! Don't dwell on the tension. Worrying and/or getting upset about the fact that tension affects you only makes it worse. When you notice it smear on the Head/Active-On, shut your eyes & go away for a few minutes. Imagine you're on a beach or walking your dog or buying a new purse -- whatever makes you happy.

Question: Is It possible to get a tension headache without any stress? I get a pain that starts from the back of my head where my head and neck meet(back of my head and upper neck). Then it spreads from there to my forehead and it feels like its behind my eyes. This sounds like a tension headache to me but the headaches come when im just watching tv or in class listening to the teacher. I dont feel stressed when they come. What could this be? ya thats true i used to have scoliosis

Answer: Yes, because tension in your neck creates the headache. This muscle tension can be aggravated by mental stress however most times it's simply head and neck position. If you had scoliosis, there most likely already is some shifts of the spine. This more easily causes nerve pressure and muscle imbalance, and in the upper neck can cause headache. Students often get this from the neck strain of constantly looking down at books, reading, studying, writing. Those muscles at the base of the skull are called your occipitals and attach the skull to the 1st couple vertebrae. When I was a full time student, I used to get very tight occipital muscles and would often get headaches. To fix the problem I made sure to see a chiropractor periodically and I also studied and often read with a book upright against something like a bookend. If I was at the library I used to just grab one off of one of the book shelves. Most helpful however was this pillow I use: http://www.tractionneckpillow.com

Question: the difference between an tension headache and an aneurysm? Lately Ive been having constant headaches and pressure in my cheeks, nose and ears. Plus, there's one spot in the back of my head that hurts off and on. last night it was hurting (yes, that one place in the back of my head) it comes off and on, but Im scared that it's an aneurysm. is it just a tension headache? can it lead to an aneurysm? or am I just plain paranoid? plz let me know so I can tell my doctor on friday

Answer: An aneurysm is a ruptured blood vessel, it's very dangerous. I wouldn't assume it's an aneurysm. There are many possible causes of your headaches that aren't so serious. It could be based on a sinus problem for example.

Question: How long does a tension headache last? At least i think i have a tension headache. It has lasted for about 5 days and it hasn't been very painful, it seems to be all around my head. it is not a severe pain it is just mild constant one, and it doesn't get worse with physical activity and i have not been vomiting or nausiated. I was wondering if a tension headache can occur after all of the stress has been over like 2 weeks after. I am currently in grade 12 and i had 4 tests and an assignment due within 2 days 2 weeks ago, but my headache t seems to have gotten a little better today. any sugges. would help out alot.

Answer: these tension headaches last as long as you are under stress=they will leave when your stress level comes down

Question: Any way I can get rid of my tension headache? Is there any way to get rid of a tension headache? Not just take medicine and numb the pain, I mean really get rid of it? I'm not sure what's causing it. It's been hurtin like the last few days, off 'n on. Im not sure but i think its from sore or tightened muscles in my neck because i sleep on the couch.

Answer: Get a massage and stop sleeping on the couch. To prevent future headaches try yoga or some other stretching program.

Question: Where do you usually feel pain when you have a tension headache? I feel good but for a couple of days Ive been feeling like I have pressure on my neck, back, and shoulders. ( and a little bit in the back of my head) Its not a severe pain. And my left temple has been having a dull pain. I sleep great and like I said I feel ok. I feel some pressure on the top of my head. Is it a tension headache? What other symptoms go along with a tension heaache? And what relief can I give myself? Thanks!!! One more thing, can tension headaches occur everyday? Ive had mine for 2 days. Not continuously, but its like I notice it sometimes then I dont. Is that common?

Answer: In general, a tension-type headache may cause diffuse (spread out, not in one place) pressure or tightness. Sometimes, muscles surrounding the head are tender. The pain may be on both sides of the head, or it may cause an aching or squeezing sensation located in the forehead, temples, or back of the head with radiation to the neck and shoulders. Pain is usually moderate in intensity, not severely disabling, and not associated with the typical symptoms of migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to sound or light. Doctors will suggest over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and other NSAIDs. These provide relief for most people with tension-type headache. Frequent use of medications to treat symptoms of headache may actually cause episodic tension-type headache to become chronic in nature. If you want a home remedy for headache use Chamomile Tea, it helps relaxing the muscles and a good aid for sleeping.

Question: How Do I Get Rid of a Tension Headache? I need a new pillow-- it happens just about every morning when I wake up. From right between my shoulder blades to midway up the back of my neck/head feels so tight. My husband tries to massage out the knots, but then they come back. I've tried Bayer Tension Headache Relief as well as ibuprophen, but the headache just comes back. And it seems to be related to my sinuses too. I'm having horrible allergies right now from all this stupid pollen. Other than buying a new pillow, any suggestions?

Answer: I wonder if you don't have sinus headaches, as they feel like tension headaches too. Try a few things. Flip the mattress as it could be getting worn down. Try taking a sinus med. that you spray in your nose (like flonase). If it's a sinus headache, the pain will start to go away within a day or so. Lastly take a hot bath at night and a hot shower in the morning so the heat can ease away the pain. If this isn't possible get some of those little heating patches that you can buy. Stick it to the inside of your shirt and let it heat away the pain. Feel better soon.

Question: How to get rid of tension headache? I am a college student and I have been under a lot of stress recently which leads to me having major tension headaches. I currently have a tension headache and I took Excedrin Tension and that helps a little bit but my neck and shoulders feel like they have knots in them and my upper back, in between my shoulder blades hurts. No one is around right now to give me a massage so I need some advice. Help please :( Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am sick of this damn headache :(

Answer: I've found ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) to be the best over-the-counter pain killer for pain that comes from tense muscles. It seems to have mild muscle relaxant qualities, in a way that Tylenol (which is what's in Excedrin) and aspirin just don't. For a really bad tension headache, you'll want to take about 800 mg of it -- which is 4 of the usual 200 mg pills. Don't worry: even though the box says only to take two of them, 800 mg is a safe dosage, so long as you don't take it too often. Once you've downed the ibuprofen, get something cold on your shoulders and neck. I know it may feel like it wants heat more than it wants cold, but stiff necks and shoulders are usually due to an inflammation somewhere, and inflammations respond better to cold. You might also try rubbing in some methyl salicylate lotion (like Ben Gay, or a similar product). Drink plenty of water, and if you're a caffeine junkie like I am, make sure that you're getting enough caffeine as well (caffeine withdrawal can cause nasty tension headaches, which is why caffeine is one of the ingredients in Excedrin). If the combination of 400 mg of ibuprofen, methyl salicylate, and cold doesn't work for you, then I'm out of over-the-counter options. A doctor might be willing to prescribe some muscle relaxants for you -- but that could make studying rather difficult. They tend to knock you out. Good luck, and I hope you can get rid of that headache!

Question: Does anybody know how to get rid of a tension headache? Last week i pulled my neck and ever since ive been in so much pain havent been able to sleep and ive got a megga tension headache, doesnt matter what i take it wont go away!!!!

Answer: There are several pressure points. Try grabbing the web between your thumb and index finger and squeeze the spot that hurts for about 30 seconds. Alternate hands. Find the indent between your neck and shoulder (on the top) and put pressure there on both sides, holding for thirty seconds at a time. There's an indent in your eyebrow above your pupil. Press on both of those at the same time. The other point is at the back of your head where it meets your neck. You'll find an indent on each side. Press up an in and hold for thirty seconds. Alternate sites. It's nice to have someone do it for you, but you can do these yourself. Ever have someone give you a foot massage? It's a great tension reliever! I get alot of headaches that don't go away with medication. Using these techniques usually helps me. Hope it helps you. Good luck.

Question: Does anyone else on here wake up in the morning with a tension headache? If so, what do you do to relieve it besides taking medication? I'm preganant with twins, so I don't want to risk harming them, however, I am suffering! These headaches seem to be getting worse, and worse. I've even gone to the ER over them, and that's when I got diagnosed with tension headache. Dr prescribed Lortab and sent me on my way. Please help me if you know a better way?

Answer: I used to wake with tension headaches all the time, there were a couple of factors, one was stress, the other was my pillow... well the fact that I used too many, if your neck is in a weird position, you are more likely to end up waking with a headache. If they are caused by stress... try relaxation excercises, deep breathing, focussing on a calming scenario... Congratulations on the twins... best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy :)

Question: Tension Headache? Tension Headaches? Can tension headaches happen after all of the stressful days and tension have dissapeared for a while, b/c i think i have a tension headache right now. It is a mild pain that seems to be around my head and it doesn't affect my day to day activities and i have been having it for about 3 days now. But all of my stress has been from school and that was about 2 weeks ago. i had 3 tests and an assignment due in a span of 3 days. So are these tension headaches that i am having. Additional Details Could this also be because i am worrying about my headeache being a more serious thing than it actually is. B/c i went to the doctor after my exams in January and he said that it was just tension and when he went to take my blood pressure it was a little high and when my dad and i went to the drugstore to get the pills (about 20 mins after the appointment) that he prescribed i took my blood pressure and it was back down to normal. It is just that i am always thinking tha

Answer: Go to the store and buy you some tension medicine. And if you are really stressed get you some nerve tonic. That really helps me. I worry about alot. It is all natural it will not hurt you. Me and My mother take it and my mom said that at walmart they can't keep it on the shelf. Hope everything works out for you. It will get better I promise.

Question: Can a tension headache cause pain in the face, especially the bridge of the nose? It starts in the back of the neck and forehead and feel very tight. Then from the forehead it travels down to the face and nose. Are these two separate headaches such ans a sinus and tension? I have sinus congestion as well so it's making it very difficult to figure out.

Answer: Nerves are connected internally. If your problem is connected to acidity, it is natural. You have sinus problem and face and forehead are not far away. There is no medicine for H/A OR MIGRAINE. Not only these but for almost all painful diseases. Hence they become chronic. Acidity, WORRY, excessive wind, cold , heat, sour food and sinusitis, constipation, intestinal inflammation; Blockage in the flow of Vital Energy are their causes. None of them can be treated with medicine. Our 100% success in treating migraine &H/A confirms it. Acupuncture is the best treatment. I can treat it with naturopathy and YOG, but how can you manage pl see. Avoid late sleeping if possible;spicy, sour, stale bakery foods and alcohole. Sweet foods, COCOANUT WATER,sweet fruits, milk, rice, SPROUTS, SALADS and good sleep will help you. But you try one herbal remedy- two drops of drumstick leaves' juice in opposite nostril if one side pains and both nostrils if full H/A will give you rescue. Betel leaf helps but it isvery strong. If it is acute pl search a painful point 3-6 mm behind your thumb nail and press it, H/A will disappear within 30 seconds. Source(s): SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE R.H. 19, Jhulelal Society, Sector 2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA.

Question: recommendations for getting rid of a tension headache? I get tension headaches pretty easily, mostly caused by stress. Besides the usual remedies of drinking water, taking tylenol, etc., is there anything else I can do?

Answer: Roll your shoulders and your neck, use cold packs, and Aleve beats Tylenol by a mile. I also have one of those shiatsu machines that massage the neck, which has saved me a lot.

Question: Tension headache so bad I wear my glasses on the outside of my ears.? A neurologist thinks I have chronic tension headache. He's never heard of it being so bad that I can't wear glasses on the inside of my ears. Does anyone else experience this, and does this mean something extra nutty about my condition?

Answer: I have never experienced this nor do I think that this indicates you being nutty about your condition. I do see it as reason for concern and it's a very good reason for concern. You could also have some issues going on with your jaw such as in a condition called Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome which can cause headaches and pain around the ear such as when wearing glasses. I would recommend getting an opinion from the dentist as well to see what they say.

Question: What is a tension headache? What can be done for it? I get headaches every two weeks. It starts in the back of my neck then goes to my forehead and lasts for 1 to 2 days. I think this is a tension headache but I am not sure. I don't know if it is and what should I do for this problem?Is there anyone with this experience -any health experts or people with this experience?

Answer: I get the same symptoms. You are getting stress headaches (aka tension headaches). Here are some helpful ideas in dealing with them: 1. ICE PACKS. Nothing feels better than an ice pack on the back of your neck and on you eyes. It's best to lie down so that you can fully relax. 2. Reduce stress. When things start getting sticky, go for a walk or do another task for a few minutes to alleviate the stress. 3. Regular exercise. 20-30 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week. 4. Avoid caffeine. Believe it or not, this can make headaches worse! (This includes Excedrin which has a main ingredient of caffeine!) 5. Take bubble baths in the evening to chill out. 6. Make sure you are eating right. Take a multivitamin to ensure that you are getting what your body needs daily. 7. Splurge and get a full body massage. Not only does it rejuvenate, but it also melts away tension. Hope this is of some help!

Question: Has anyone experience a tension headache? For the past week I've been experiencing a moderately severe headache, it feels like an aching pain in the back of my head and behind my ears, I have no nausea or vomiting. I went to the doctor today and she said that I should see my optometrist, and that I am having a tension headache,I am 16 years old as well. has anyone experienced similar headaches?

Answer: yes , i have had many tension headaches throug my life and the symptoms are very similar to what you are stating. It seems that your Dr. is saying that you may be having them due to eyestrain - which is a fair comment.Always worth a check, as i have a weak eye and it definately doesnt help when i get a stress headache.My advice can only be to try to relax as much as possible and try to take some of the weight of your head from your shoulders by gently supporting it with your hands etc. Of course this will not cure your problem , maybe just help you read this answer a bit easier...I must admit that sometimes there just seems like there is no answer other than to gently support your head and hopefully sleep, although , though i dont like to recommend painkillers , sometimes an Anti-inflammatory will help no end !!. A paracetamol or two maybe?. Other times gentle heat around the shoulders can be of great help but most of all as tension pain is actually caused by muscles contracting ,, it is obvious that by finding way to make them relax would be the most effective answer. A shoulder and neck massage is great or certainly can be..Sometimes , there is a great help for these which can maybe not quite be the cure but can really help you get through the day & that would be using a cream such as `Tiger Balm' , it works or helps me no -end and can be purchased for a small price -most anywhere in the world!! , look it up on `Wikipedia', im sure that once tried this sort of treatment will be `invaluble , and hopefully , as you grow older these pains will go , and if they dont then you will at least have some quite natural remedies to help you forever, I do feel for you , feel better sooon