Sometimes things just get right on top of us – and this obviously isn’t good for a number of reasons!
Tension-type headaches - as they are medically known - are often triggered by this kind of stress, which causes the muscles in the neck and temples to stiffen.
Cue uncomfortable pressure in your head…
Unfortunately, there isn’t one LONE cause for the blighters, but - as mentioned - the headaches are usually triggered by some type of environmental or internal stress – most commonly, family, social relationships, friends, and work related.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, especially amongst women (oh, come on, that’s because we have FAR more responsibilities to get stressed about in the first place…)
Although common and uncomfortable, tension headaches tend to be moderate/mild and are rarely severe. Unlike migraines they aren’t usually throbbing, or associated with light and sound sensitivity or nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms of tension headaches can include:
* Headache upon awakening
* General muscle aches
* Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
* Chronic fatigue
* Irritability
* Disturbed concentration
* Mild sensitivity to light or noise
* Occasional dizziness
Non-prescription painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen are more than likely to relieve your fuzzy head, but when you fancy an alternative method then we could have JUST the solution…
Dr Andrew Dowson, clinical lead of East Kent Headache Services says Cawthorne Cooksey exercises can help reduce the pain.
(Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Cawthorne Cooksey exercises are a useful form of physiotherapy – most commonly used for vestibular conditions such as Vertigo…)
So, next time you’re feeling the strain, try this little exercise technique out for size….
* Sit with your head in a neutral position, looking straight ahead with your shoulders relaxed.
* Turn your head to one side, and then touch your shoulder with your chin. Repeat on the other side.
* Then repeat the action, but this time let your ear (rather than your chin) touch your shoulder
* Put your chin on your chest and then lean your head back as if you were having it washed at the hair salon.
* Repeat these six movements 20 times, two to three times a day if necessary.
* To relax the muscles even more, take a hot shower before or during the exercises, or use a cold compress. Warm and cold temperatures can relax the muscles, helping them to perform a wider range of movement.
Do you suffer from tension-type headaches? Do you swear by anything to get rid of them? Even prevent them?
By Tasha Usefnia