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Self-Care Remedies

There are many kinds of headaches, but the most common variety is caused by tension. Fortunately, tension headaches are also the easiest to take care of by yourself. The following tips can help you recognize the symptoms of tension headaches and what you can do to relieve your discomfort.

A Typical Tension Headache

A typical tension headache can be mild, or very painful. The neck, face and scalp muscles get tense due to stress. It may feel like pressure on the head or neck, or a tight band circling the head. If nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision occur, it is wise to consult your physician to rule out the possibility of migraine headaches (see below). Tension headaches come on when deadlines threaten, traffic is terrible, or you're simply feeling stressed.

Migraine headaches are different; they usually begin with symptoms such as numbness or extreme sensitivity to light. When the pain comes on, it is intense, and can last for hours or days.

Self Treatment

For occasional tension headaches, aspirin, acetominophen, or ibuprofen can help relieve pain when taken as directed. But if you suffer from frequent tension headaches, you may benefit by trying the following drug-free treatments:

 
• A warm shower or bath, or damp heating pad.

   

• Lying down in a dark room with feet up and a cool wash cloth over your eyes.

   

• Ice packs applied to the back of the neck.

   

• Massage. Do it yourself or ask someone else to deeply massage your neck, shoulders and scalp.

   

• Relaxation training. It teaches you to tense, then relax different muscle groups. After going through each body part, you finally relax your whole body, and your headache is relieved.

   

• Restructure your thinking. First, imagine the stressful situation. Then, imagine practicing your own successful response to it. This teaches you to change your habitual responses to stressful situations.

   

• Biofeedback. This approach, which you can learn in many clinics, uses a machine that measures your perspiration or temperature (which change with your level of tension), and then makes a buzzing sound when you are tense. Over time you can avoid the buzz and learn to relax.

Self-Care Feels Good

The self-care tips provided here not only help to relieve headache pain, they're good for your health, too. Remember, though, if your headache pain is severe or is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, blurred vision, etc.) see your healthcare professional.

© 1989 PARLAY INTERNATIONAL

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