Patient
Help Sheet: Tension Headaches
Tension
headaches are the most common types of reported headaches that usually consist
of a dull ache in the head coupled with tenderness in ones scalp, neck and
shoulder muscles. It’s often also described as having a sensation of pressure
or tightness reaching the sides and the back of the head as well as the
forehead.
Types
of Headaches
Although
the root cause isn’t yet fully understood, doctors have placed tension
headaches into two separate categories. The first being Episodic Tension
Headache can last between 30 minutes and one week. This type of
tension headache often occurs less than 15 days in a given month during a
3-month span but these types of headaches can become chronic. The second
categorized headache is a Chronic Tension Headache; this type lasts
hours and may continue into several days. Victims of chronic tension headaches
occur for more than 15 days in a given month and may last up to 3 months at any
given time.
It’s
important to note that Tension headaches differ from migraines but can often be
difficult to differentiate between the two. Migraines are known to disturb
vision can include nausea and vomiting and are usually made worse with
physical activity.
These
headaches can be caused by a number of items including stress, food, head
injuries and so on.
Acupuncture
and Tension Headaches
Acupuncture
is used to treat headaches through the act of needle stimulation. As the needle
stimulates the nerve, hormones such as endorphins are released from your brain
throughout your body which then stimulates your immune and circulatory
system. Studies claim that this is what
relieves migraines and tension headaches.
Acupoints
for Headaches
Drilling
Bamboo- Located in the indentations on either side of the spot near the bridge
of the nose where it meets the eye brows. Apply pressure to both points in this
area with your index fingers for 10 seconds at a time.
Gates
of Consciousness- Place your index fingers at the base of the skull in the
parallel hollow areas between the neck muscles that run vertically. Press
firmly upwards on both sides of the neck for 10 seconds at a time to relieve
headache pain.
Foods
to Avoid
If
tension headaches are a factor in your life, a list of foods to avoid are:
- Chocolate
- Dairy products
- Peanut butter
- Nuts
- Fermented and/or pickled foods
- Cheese
- Onions
- Meats such as bacon, hotdogs, salami and cured meats
- Foods and drinks that may contain caffeine
If
you notice any of these foods aggravating your condition, you may way to remove
the above foods from your diet and slowly work them back into your diet, if any
of them start causing you headaches, it’s recommended to no longer eat that
food.
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