Stress and overexertion is said to be the primary cause of chronic tension headaches. Working too hard for long hours can cause muscles in the upper part of your body, around the head and neck, to contract and tighten. This results in severe headaches.
Chronic tension headaches can occur several times in a month. The severity of the pain depends on the person and therefore no common level can be drawn. It is common among people of all ages although more frequently seen in adults. You would know that your tension headache is chronic if it occurs several times a month and for a few months consecutively. Like the severity of the pain, the duration of the headache too varies between a headache for just 30 minutes a day to one that lasts for several days.
There is however a clear distinction between a migraine and a chronic tension headache. It is important to be aware of these differences if you want to take over the counter prescriptions as drugs used for migraine do not always work for a chronic tension headache. Unlike a migrane a chronic tension headache is not usually accompanied by slurred speech or by vomiting or nausea.
The pain is all over the head if you have a chronic tension headache, and it is not just a throbbing pain in one place. It is less severe than a migraine and does not usually impede concentration and working ability.
The symptoms of a chronic tension headache can include loss of appetite, a dull pain in the head, tightness around the head and around the neck and shoulders and sometimes even fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Often, irritability and sensitivity to noise may also be a symptom.
Here are a few tips to help prevent the continuing occurrence of a chronic tension headache. 1)Always maintain a good posture, especially if you are going to be in one place for a long period of time. 2)Ensure that you are comfortable. Get yourself a comfortable chair or pillow to provide support for your neck and shoulders. 3)Take regular breaks from work as working too hard can cause the headaches. 4)Exercise when possible. 5)Get enough sleep at night and here too, ensure that you are comfortable so as not to worsen the tightness in the muscles. 6)Finally, see a doctor if your headache becomes more frequent and severe. Although quite a few over-the-counter drugs do work, if the headache is persistent it is best to get the advise of a doctor, as it is likely to be a chronic tension headache.
All The Best! Take Care.
Author Resource:-
Paul Oliver is an inspiring author and seasoned entrepreneur. Drawing from 20 years of award winning corporate executive success Paul is gifted in the art of nurturing others in their quest for success. Please visit:
www.a1success4every1.com www.healthy4every1.com
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