Thursday, February 4, 2010
Headaches are extremely common: most people have a headache at some time in their life. Most headaches disappear on their own (with a little time) or with the help of mild painkillers.Experts used to think that the pain of tension headache stemmed from muscle contraction in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests that there doesn't appear to be a significant increase in muscle tension in people diagnosed with tension headache.
Changes in brain chemicals
Researchers now suspect that tension headache may result from changes among certain brain chemicals serotonin, endorphins and numerous other chemicals that help nerves communicate. Although it's not clear why the chemical levels fluctuate, the process is thought to activate pain pathways to the brain and to interfere with the brain's ability to suppress the pain.
Triggers
It's likely other factors also contribute to the development of tension headaches. Potential triggers may include:
- Stress
- Depression and anxiety
- Poor posture
- Working in awkward positions or holding one position for a long time
- Jaw clenching
Relief of Headache
The same lifestyle choices that promote good health may reduce the frequency and severity of your tension headaches. Consider the basics:
- Eat healthy foods. Don't skip meals especially breakfast.
- Exercise regularly. During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it's important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger some types of headaches.
- Get enough sleep. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day even on weekends. Relax before you go to bed. If you don't fall asleep within 15 minutes, get up. Read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. Keep in mind that medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants, including some headache medications, may interfere with sleep.
- Avoid excess caffeine. Sometimes caffeine helps curb headaches. In fact, many headache medications contain caffeine. But heavy daily caffeine use more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee can cause headaches and irritability.
- Keep stress under control. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.
posted by emedinfo
@9:20 PM
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