Tension headaches are something all of us experience at some point in our lives, whether they're frequent or not. Aware or not, these headaches tend to come and go as they please, but are most definitely triggered by something either internally, or externally. Also known as stress headaches, these can occur less than 15 days at a time in a month and are termed as episodic headaches. If you were to get it often where it crosses over to more than 15 days in a month, then this is termed as a chronic headache. The symptoms of this kind of headache can be problematic and a lot to handle, or they could be mild enough to be taken care of. These headaches can set in at any time of the day, usually occurring during midday. The headaches don't hit you all at once with unbearable symptoms, but slowly increase in severity as time lapses. The pain that creeps in when a tension headache occurs, is felt around the front and top sides of one's head and sometimes on either sides as well. Although the causes of these headaches vary, there is no firm understanding on why these terrible aching headaches take place. Treatment is available for such headaches, which help immensely to ease the effects of the headache. These can happen at any time in one's life, be it young or old. Migraines can also lead to this kind of headache, where even everyday use of medications can trigger this type of pain while on or when withdrawing from it. Tension Headache Causes The symptoms of this kind of headache will help patients figure out if what they are experiencing is either an episodic or chronic headache, where the latter has to be medically examined and evaluated. Ignoring persistent headaches that overcome your everyday activities, needs to be taken up with a doctor. The causes that can start off a tension headache are.

• Anxiety
• Bad posture
• Clenching jaws often
• Mental stress
• Depression
• Grinding one's teeth
• Emotional stress
• Use of alcohol
• Ignored hunger pangs
• Fatigue
• Flu/cold
• Nasal congestion
• Sinus infection
• Overexertion
• Caffeine withdrawal/over consumption
• Chain smoking
• Strain on one's eyes (computer/TV screens)

Symptoms of Tension Headaches The symptoms shouldn't be taken lightly, and must be addressed medically for fear of ignoring something more deep-set. The signs that you will notice when it comes to these headaches are.

• Stiff neck
• Dull aching sensation in your head
• Head hurts frequently after a head injury
• Muscles around the neck, scalp and shoulder area are tender
• Head hurts while coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Tight sensation around the back or sides of your head
• Weakness
• Pressure around the head area
• Seizures
• Shoulder area starts to hurt
• Double vision
• Not easy to fall asleep
• Not easy to speak
• Entire head region throbs with pain

Treatment for Tension Headaches There are several treatment options that you can turn to, that will help those who suffer from frequent attacks when it comes to tension headaches. These are your options. Medication There are drugs available to help ease the pain like naproxen, aspirin, NSAIDS, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Patients are advised during this time not to overdo the process of taking pain relievers. Ceasing the use of analgesics is first advised before doctors help patients with ways on how to take care of themselves and avoid these headaches. Therapy and Antidepressants Training is given to help patients to learn how to relax and get rid of stress causing situations, with sessions that help work out their daily routines. Cognitive behavioral therapy and stress management greatly help when dealing with a patient's troubles and mental issues. Amitriptyline and tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed also to patients, as a form of treatment using drugs. Tension headaches can be dealt with much earlier in one's life by knowing how to approach tense situations with a calm demeanor, without triggering one's stress levels. Eating right and following a healthy lifestyle will also help you avoid these attacks in the future. Have a healthy tomorrow.