You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again and again. Tension headaches are among the most common minor health problems. It is estimated that more than 45 million Americans suffer from recurrent headaches each year. Tension headaches account for 90% of all headaches and, although they can occur in people of all ages, they usually begin in early adulthood or later.
Many researchers believe that a tension headache can result when the head, neck, or face muscles contract but do not relax. They remain tense or in a spasm. This compresses blood vessels in the affected muscles, and reduces the blood supply there. The resulting pain feels like a squeezing, aching pressure at the temples, across the upper forehead, in the face, or in the back of the neck.
Tension headaches may last for hours, sometimes days, and are usually mildly to moderately painful. If you have a very painful headache that persists on and off for several days or even weeks, consult your physician.
You can beat headaches!
Physical, psychological, and environmental factors all play a role in headache pain, but we do have some control over them. You should exercise, get adequate rest, correct bad physical habits, and avoid provocative substances in your diet and surroundings. These measures, along with relaxation, can help you safely reduce and perhaps prevent a headache. And taking an analgesic, like Advil®, can alleviate your tension headaches.
Causes of tension headache and how to reduce or prevent pain
There are several underlying factors that contribute to tension headaches. The most common factors fit into three categories: physical, psychological, and environmental. Recognizing what triggers your headaches is the first step in reducing or preventing pain.
