Learn about causes, symptoms, and proven remedies for lasting relief. Discover how to relieve a tension headache fast and naturally.
Do you frequently experience tension headaches that leave you feeling weighed down and uncomfortable?
Discover the true underlying causes of these headaches and effective ways to manage their symptoms for a healthier, pain-free life.
Contents
What exactly is a tension headache?
Tension headaches are a widespread and often misunderstood form of primary headache.
Contrary to popular belief, they are not solely caused by muscle or anxiety tension.
Emerging research highlights that the root cause lies in an abnormal modulation of the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensory data from the face and skull.
This nerve connects to cranial structures, blood vessels, mucous membranes, and peri-cranial muscles.
While the pain is felt in the pericranial tissues, including bones and meninges, the neck, particularly cervical regions, is closely linked to tension headache development.
Identifing tension headache symptoms
Tension headaches typically present as bilateral sensations, often described as head pressure, a sensation of a “screw” in the skull, cap-like pain, and neck stiffness.
Unlike other headaches, tension headaches are not worsened by physical activity.
Understanding the distinct characteristics of tension headaches aids in proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
The diagnosis process for tension headaches
Diagnosing tension headaches involves assessing symptoms and their frequency.
These headaches last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week and display certain consistent characteristics.
Differentiating tension headaches from migraines is crucial, as the two types often overlap.
Skilled palpation is used to detect pericranial tenderness around the skull, aiding in pinpointing pain triggers.
Understanding different frequencies of tension headaches
The frequency of episodes of tension headaches is used to differentiate the subtypes of this condition.
– episodic tension headaches occur about once per month but less than 12 days per year.
– The frequent forms have about ten episodes per month for at least three months in a row.
– chronic tension headache evolves from a status frequently and occurs on average 15 days per month.
This chronic form is generally resistant to anti-inflammatory drugs and is accompanied by migraine.
In this case, we note that the migraine affects only one side of the head when the tension headache acts in a bilateral vice.
Likewise, nausea is only related to migraine.
Seeking medical attention for tension headaches
Consulting a neurologist specialized in headaches is recommended to diagnose and treat tension headaches accurately.
Comprehensive neck and brain stem examinations aid in uncovering the root cause.
Tailored treatment plans are then crafted to address individual needs.
Conventional and natural approaches to tension headache treatment
Conventional treatments for tension headaches are often ineffective.
As these headaches are aggravated by stress and fatigue, addressing the underlying causes takes precedence.
Natural remedies offer promising relief, targeting both pain and causative factors.
How to relieve a tension headache fast: Natural remedies
How to relieve a tension headache fast and naturally ?
Magnesium
Magnesium boosts metabolism by stimulating the action of enzymes, regulating ion channels, and promoting nucleic acid synthesis.
Numerous studies highlight the benefits of magnesium in the prevention and relief of tension headaches.
It is essential to favor a non-aggressive form of magnesium for the digestive system so as not to aggravate the tensions.
Go for a bisglycinate magnesium (ad) which has no noticeable side effects.
Melatonin
Melatonin is often put forward to improve sleep, especially during times of stress.
We know that stress increases tension and therefore headaches.
It has anti-inflammatory properties because it has toxic anti-free radical activity.
Some studies have shown abnormalities in melatonin secretion in patients with migraine and marked improvement after administration.
So it may be wise to take a melatonin supplement (ad) to regulate sleep, improve its quality while taking advantage of its anti-inflammatory properties.
We know that restless nights can only prolong the pain.
A dosage of 2mg per day is recommended.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can cause chronic headaches.
And as you know, many of us on earth run out of it without knowing it, especially in winter due to the low level of sunshine.
With calcium, vitamin D has been shown to significantly reduce migraine episodes.
Choose a vitamin D3 more absorbable by the body like this (ad) and take it daily or weekly so you never run out.
The recommended dosage is 2000 to 4000IU per day.
You can opt for a dosage of 10000IU per week.
Turmeric
Turmeric is well known for its health benefits.
It is especially an excellent natural anti-inflammatory that can replace conventional analgesics.
Add a turmeric complement (ad) for pain relief without side effects.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinol is a powerful antioxidant that is effective in preventing migraines for several years.
A controlled study shows that taking 100 mg of co-enzyme Q10 (ad), 3 times a day for 3 months significantly improves the frequency of attacks and days without headache and nausea.
Coenzyme Q10 may therefore be an effective solution in the background treatment of migraine.
No adverse effects were noted, not even at an intake of 1200 mg per day.
Note, however, that Coq10 is not recommended for diabetics, people on anticoagulant therapy, and pregnant women.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B12 can be a real relief from this form of migraine.
We know that B vitamins act directly on overactive stress in neurons.
It can therefore have a major impact on muscle relaxation and thus free you from the shackles.
A dosage of 25mg per day for 15 days is highly recommended.
Go for a vitamin B12 methylcobalamin (ad) to benefit from the high absorption of its most natural form.
Acupressure techniques for tension headache relief
Learn about targeted acupressure points that can alleviate tension headaches naturally.
Neck acupressure point
You can strain the two points shown below in the hollow at the base of the skull.
For a satisfactory result, apply firm pressure with the thumbs of both hands while applying circular motions for two to three minutes.
Eye acupressure point
You can continue your session by stimulating the point described below, located between the two eyes, in the center of the eyebrows.
Apply moderate pressure, this is a sore spot.
Again, apply small circular motions at the same time while pressing and hold the exercise for two to three minutes.
Skull acupuncture point
End your session by stimulating the point indicated below located at the top of the head.
To locate it precisely, draw an imaginary line from the tip of the ear to meet the other ear.
The dot is in the center of this line.
Again, apply pressure this time firmly and hold for two to three minutes.
You can also apply small circular motions while squeezing.
How to relieve a tension headache fast?
Many factors cause migraines, but tension headaches are quite different.
Headaches are classified into four categories:
- tension
- migraine
- sinuses
- cluster headache
So tension headache is not a migraine and is not handled the same way.
An impeccable lifestyle as well as the intake of certain targeted supplements can help you reduce or even treat your disorder.