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.