How Can I Relieve A Tension Headache?

Do you eat healthy, drink enough water, exercise regularly and get enough sleep?

Do you have a good posture (when standing, you keep your shoulders back and your head level; when sitting, your thighs are parallel to the ground and your head is not tilted forward)?

Do you manage to avoid stress?

Do you manage to find time to relax?

Do you use hot baths, or apply a warm compress or hot towel to tense muscles?

Do you apply ice packs to tense muscles?

Do you use any of these stress management techniques: guided imagery (focusing to create calm images in your mind), biofeedback (learning to recognize when you become tense and how to relax), or cognitive-behavioral therapy (conversational therapy that helps you identify situations that cause stress)?

Do you use over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin?

Do you use prescription drugs to relieve tension headaches?

Have you tried acupuncture (applying fine needles to specific areas of your body)?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you relieve a tension headache. It is very important to lead a healthy life, so you must make sure you get enough sleep, do not skip meals, drink enough water and take steps to avoid stress. There are several stress management techniques. You can try to plan ahead or take more time to relax. A hot bath will definitely help you relax. You can also apply a warm compress or hot towel to tense muscles. If you prefer cold compresses, you can use ice or frozen vegetables that you have previously wrapped in a cloth.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to relieve a tension headache. Tension headaches occur when the muscles of your neck, shoulders and scalp become tense. Good posture will help you relieve muscle tension, so you should stand up straight and tall, keep your head level and your shoulders back. Also, you can use one of the many relaxation and stress management techniques such as guided imagery, biofeedback, or cognitive-behavioral therapy. You can take over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve tension headaches. If painkillers do not work, in some cases the doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant or antidepressant.