Info On Chronic Tension Headaches

Chronic tension headaches are much more common than most people think. Tension headaches are a primary headache, that means there is no exact known cause. Secondary headaches are caused by an illness or another health condition, such as flu, stress, allergies and other neurological disorders.

What Are Chronic Tension Headaches Like?

A chronic headache usually lasts about four hours and if they are frequent you should seek for advice immediately. The pain can be located on both sides or only in one side. The pain can extend to the back, too. Sometimes, tension headaches can cause dizziness and blurred vision.

As mentioned before, tension headaches causes aren't known, but the brain's chemicals are suspected to be the culprit. Some research has shown that some antidepressants may increase serotonin and thus retrieving the normal chemical levels.

Sore muscles may also cause tension headaches. Activities such as too many hours watching TV or working on the computer. Some other causes are bad sleeping patterns, emotional distress and stress.

Available treatments

It's difficult to recommend a single drug-based treatment since the exact cause for chronic tension headaches is still unknown, but there are several natural ways to help with the pain such as meditation, acupuncture, massages, swimming and any other relaxing activity. However, some of the drugs used to treat chronic tension headaches are Mirtazapine and Amitriptyline.

How to deal with chronic tension headaches

You can use either over the counter or prescription, but sadly, there are nasty side effects when used for a long period of time. Instead, try using natural therapies and remedies. Something you could try is keeping a journal to record what things may give you a headache. You can use natural remedies to ease the pain and also to get balance and relax back into your life. There are several alternative therapies you can try: acupuncture or massages are very useful to get some relaxation, herbal teas can help you reestablish a healthy sleeping pattern and eating right will add up to the balance.

It's important to point out that if you spend too much time in front of the TV or computer screen you should also see an eye care professional to see if your headaches are solved with some glasses.

Whatever therapy or nature medicine you decide to take, it's advisable you ask you family doctor for further advice and tips on how to deal with chronic tension headaches, since she will examine you to see if there are any other causes for your headaches and will recommend you the best treatment for you.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about chronic tension headaches, please visit frequent headache.