TENSION TYPE HEADACHE

INTRODUCTION:
Tension Headache are the most common type of headaches felt by majority of the population worldwide.
Tension headache is more prominent in females as compared to males.Tension headache is more commonly known as stress headache and was renamed as ''Tension Type Headache'' by the International Headache Society in 1988.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Tension type headache is often described as bilateral , as if head is been squeezed in a jaw.

Tension type headache is generally mild to moderate , but occassionaly can be severe.

Tension type headache can be episodic or chronic.Episodic tension type headache occurs fewer than 15 days a month whereas chronic TTH occurs more than 15 days a month or lasts more than 6 months
People with tension headaches commonly report these symptoms:

• Mild to moderate pain or pressure affecting the front, top or sides of the head
• Headache occurring later in the day
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Disturbed concentration
• Mild sensitivity to light or noise
• General muscle aching

CAUSES OF TTH :
There is no single factors which causes TTH and is also not an inherited trait.In general cases tension headache is caused by tightened muscles in the back of the neck and scalp.This tension may be caused by following factors but is not limited to

•  Inadequate rest
• Poor Posture
• Emotional or mental stress
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Over exertion

Tension headaches are usually triggered by some type of environmental or internal stress. The most common sources of stress include family, social relationships, friends, work, and school. Examples of stressors include:

Having problems at home/difficult family life

Having a new child

Having no close friends

Returning to school or training; preparing for tests or exams

Going on a vacation

Starting a new job

Losing a job

Being overweight

Deadlines at work

 Competing in sports or other activities

Being a perfectionist

Not getting enough sleep

Being over-extended (involved in too many activities/organizations)

TREATMENT :
Following is the Line of treatement for TTH ( Consult Your Doctor in severe cases )

• Pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants

Avoiding or minimizing the causes or triggers

• Stress management/relaxation training
• Biofeedback
• Home treatments

HOME TREATEMENT FOR TTH:

Breathe!  
                                               
Take three deep breaths, all the way in and all the way out, slowly. This works best right when you feel a headache coming on.

Stretch!

Stretching the muscles of the neck and upper back can quickly lessen a headache, or avoid one. Try this: Relax your shoulders. Gently turn your head from right to left, then back. Now try shrugging your shoulders, again turning your head from right to left and back. One more time with your shoulders relaxed.

Massage!

Another excellent home remedy for tension headache is massage. True, it's a help to actually go for a massage or get someone's help, but you can get a lot of benefit through self massage.

PAIN TRIGGERS

Pain Trigger: Flip-Flops
Often, the blame for our pain rests on the simple choices we make every day. The Cleveland Clinic Florida's David Westerdahl, MD, shares a few examples – starting with flip-flops and foam-soled sandals. They provide poor arch support, leading to pain in the feet, ankles, and knees.
Solution: Wear shoes with arch support. When you know you'll be walking a lot, opt for sneakers.

Pain Trigger: Smart Phones
Do you have a phone that lets you text, surf the web, and play games? That's a lot of mileage for your thumbs. Doctors have begun seeing arthritis at the base of the thumb in people as young as 30.
Solution: When your thumbs begin to ache, give the texting a rest. If pain continues, use your phone to make an actual call – to a doctor. There are effective treatments for arthritis.

Pain Trigger: Your Wallet
Your wallet can be a real pain in the back and the buttocks, and it can even lead to shooting pains down one leg. Tucked in a back pocket, it may rest directly over the sciatic nerve, compressing and irritating it day after day. A fat wallet may also put the spine slightly out of alignment, causing muscle tension.
Solution: Remove your wallet before sitting, especially in the car.

Pain Trigger: Driving
Many people set their car seats at the wrong angle. If the seat is reclined, you may slouch forward to grip the steering wheel. This pulls your head away from the headrest and can cause neck pain.
Solution: Put your car seat in an upright position that supports your head and lower back. The steering wheel should be within easy reach, so your arms are slightly flexed and relaxed.



Pain Trigger: Active Video Games
Video games that simulate the motions of popular sports can result in real sports injuries. Doctors say overzealous gaming can cause everything from sprains to torn ligaments and broken bones.

Solution: Do some stretching before starting an active video game. Make sure you have plenty of space around you, so you won't trip or crash into anything. And don't play for longer than you would a real sport.

Pain Trigger: Cheese
Cheese lovers, take note – your favorite food may be the reason for all those headaches. Aged cheese, such as blue cheese, brie, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan and Swiss, contain a substance called tyramine. This notorious headache trigger is also found in some processed meats and beverages.
Solution: Keep a food diary to help spot links between foods and headaches, so you'll know what to avoid.



Pain Trigger: Couch Potato Syndrome

Even down time can be a source of aches and pains. Do you often lie across the couch with your head turned toward the television? You're setting yourself up for a sore neck – especially if you fall asleep in that position.

Solution: Maintain good posture even when you're relaxing. Sit up straight on your couch and make sure your TV is not positioned too high.

 

 Pain Trigger: Your Baby

The simple act of lifting your baby out of the crib each day can lead to de Quervain's tenosynovitis. This is a repetitive stress injury that causes pain and swelling in the wrist and thumb.

Solution: Learn to lift your baby without straining the wrists. Lower the side rails of the crib, place your hands under the back and buttocks, and lift with the bigger muscles of your arms.