A Tension-type headache is
the most common type of primary headache. Many people have
1 or 2 headaches of this type every month. Sometimes they
develop more frequently, typically during times of stress.
Approximately 3% of people have a tension-type headache on
most days. When this happens, the headaches are called chronic
tension-type headaches. Tension-type and cluster headaches,
and usually cause symptoms of sickness or nausea in addition
to a severe, one-sided, throbbing headache. However, some
people experience both migraines and tension-type headaches.
Headache Treatment Tips
• Pain killers or analgesics such as
aspirin and paracetamol (eg Panadol)
• Pain killers or analgesics combined with codeine (eg
Panadeine)
• Pain killers or analgesics combined with a sedative
(eg Mersyndol, Fiorinal)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such
as ibuprofen (eg Nurofen.These products are effective and
safe when taken according to the directions. Always check
with your doctor or pharmacist, as some products are not recommended
with certain health conditions or for children.
• Stronger NSAIDs
• Analgesics containing stronger narcotic-type analgesics
• Ergots such as ergotamine (eg Cafergot) that have
a specific action against migraine
Headache Prevention Tips
A major cause of headache is chronic stress
and related emotions such as frustration and irritability.
One main body area affected by chronic stress is the upper
back, neck and shoulders, which become tight, tense and painful.
Slow, deep breathing exercises are a superb way to calm your
mind, relax your body, reduce the effects of chronic stress
and improve your ability to deal with it.
Chinese Herbal Remedies: There are many Chinese
herbal headache remedies that have been proven to be safe
and effective over centuries of continuous use in China. While
the traditional way to take them is by boiling the ingredients
in water and drinking the brew as a tea, these days they are
available in pill, tablet, powder and granule form. Unless
you have knowledge of TCM principles and diagnostics, though,
you should consult a trained practitioner of Chinese herbal
medicine or acupuncture to see which particular remedy is
best for you.
Acupressure: Acupressure is very easy to
do - locate specific points on your body (using an acupressure
point’s chart or video) and press and rub them with
your fingers for 1-2 minutes, several times a day. Common
acupressure points for headache are located at the base of
your skull, on your temples and on your hands and feet. These
are the same points that are needled in acupuncture - the
difference is you can do acupressure yourself, making it a
convenient way to relieve and prevent headaches.
Diet and Lifestyle: There is no single diet
suitable for everyone. However, there are some general TCM
dietary guidelines that can benefit most headache sufferers,
especially those with chronic stress headaches. According
to TCM, chronic stress mainly affects the liver. Foods and
drinks which aggravate the liver include anything that is
fried or spicy, as well as alcohol, coffee and drugs. TCM
recommends a simple, bland diet for best health. This means
fresh, natural foods and drinks and meals that are not overly
cooked. Steaming and stir-frying are recommended cooking methods
as they cook quickly and lightly while still retaining nutrients.
As with herbal remedies, a TCM practitioner
can give you specific dietary advice that matches your age,
body type, state of health and other factors unique to you.
Apart from adjusting your diet it's important to maintain
a balanced lifestyle. Irregular meal times and sleeping times,
overworking and excess mental irritation, for example, can
all cause and/or aggravate headaches.
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