Tension Headache Symptoms

Recognizing Tension Headache Symptoms

The cause of tension headaches and their symptoms are often confused with migraine headaches. This can result not only inappropriate or ineffective treatment but it could also cause additional symptoms or medical issues to be unresolved. If recurring, tension headache symptoms, can be a sign of a serious medical problem. If the cause of tension headaches is unknown and with the serious tension headache symptoms, a dangerous situation can result if care is not taken to find the source of the headaches.

Types of Headaches and Symptoms

Other types of painful headaches include migraine headaches. Migraine symptoms and medical treatments for migraines are much different than for tension headache symptoms and confusing the two types can result in the wrong medication. Other symptoms associated with either headache condition can go unresolved if not appropriately diagnosed.

The cause of tension headaches and their symptoms can be much different than the source and symptoms of migraines.  A migraine headache generally feels like pulsating pain that comes and goes over a period of time. Tension headache pain is often a continuous, relentless pain. Tension headache symptoms have been described as feeling like there is a belt wrapped around your head squeezing tighter and tighter. This feeling is driven by the muscles around your skull contracting and restricting blood flowing to your brain.

If left untreated, tension headache symptoms can become very dangerous. Traditional migraine symptoms occur only on one side of your head and generally do not feel as if they are affecting your entire head.

What Causes the Pain and How Do I Make it Go Away?

Tension headaches are brought on by the muscles near your skull contracting. This is typically in reaction to other muscles, particularly in your upper body, becoming tense and also contracting. If your entire upper body feels tense and stiff, it is impossible to feel comfortable enough to relax. Eventually you begin to feel intense pressure in a part of your head that begins to move around your skull until your entire head is encircled.

There are some cases when excessive chocolate, caffeine or sugar consumption and even smoking can be a cause of tension headaches. Excessively concentrating on something like books or computer screens has also been known to be a cause of tension headaches. Even exposure to the cold can be a cause of tension headaches.

One a simple way to relieve a tension headache and is to remove the tension. Consider taking a little time for yourself in a quiet area. Or try and use music for a relaxing ambiance. Some people also find massage therapy a source of tension headache relief.  If you find the cause of tension headaches may be something that you cannot remove from your life, such as working on a computer, consider reducing the amount of continuous time spent working with taking small breaks.  A last option for treatment of a headache should be prescribed drugs especially if the cause of tension headaches has not been identified. However, sometimes medication is necessary to maintain normal daily function.

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