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Tension Headache Treatment
Tension headaches are common and harmless but can cause major issues in everyday life.
It can ache and press around the whole head, over the forehead, behind the eyes, temples, around the skull and back of the head.
Going for regular treatment at a FasciaClinic can help get rid of the headache and reduce the risk of it coming back.
What is Tension Headache?
Tension headaches are common and harmless but can cause major problems in everyday life. You get a throbbing and pressing pain, often around the whole head, and you get tired. Often you wake up with the pain and it gets worse during the day. It often occurs during periods of stress, physical or mental tension and little sleep. The pain lasts for a few days, but it can also become long-lasting (known as chronic). Massage therapy, relaxation exercises, deep breathing, light physical activity, walks in the woods, etc. can help ease the pain.
Symptoms of tension headaches
Tension headaches can feel as if the headgear is too tight. It can grind and press around the whole head, over the forehead, behind the eyes, temples, around the scalp and back of the head. It can last for one or more days. Unlike migraine, it is not pulsating and it is not usually made worse by physical activity, quite the opposite. Tension headaches may be associated with neck tension.
What causes tension headaches?
The physiological cause of tension headaches is not clear. One likely cause is that physical and mental tension affects the flow in the fascia, which becomes more viscous and a higher pressure occurs, which in turn presses on nerve receptors, impairs circulation, etc. Since fascial flow is also found in the nervous system, both centrally and peripherally, as well as in muscles, a slower flow affects the transport of nutrients and residues as well as gliding function between different fascial layers.
Tension headaches are often associated with mental and physical stress, anxiety, muscle tension, sleep problems and more. It changes the whole composition and proportions of different substances in the liquid part of the fascia.
Why do I have tension headaches?
You may be worrying about something which is causing you to tense muscles in your shoulders, neck, jaw, and you may be sleeping too little and have a lack of REM sleep. Think about why you are stressed or worried. Finding out why is the first step to addressing the problems.
When and where should I seek treatment for tension headaches?
Going for regular treatment at a Fascia Clinic can help get rid of headaches and reduce the risk of them returning. The treatment provides a pleasant relaxation, the whole body’s flow gets going and you get help to balance the body so that it is loaded evenly. Tension is reduced and mobility in the shoulders, neck and jaws increases. This can reduce problems with headaches, both acute and long-term.
How is tension headache treated?
Fascia treatment at a FasciaClinic provides relief for tense tissues and restores flow, allowing nutrients, oxygen and other substances to flow to and from cells as efficiently as possible. The treatment does not hurt, it provides a pleasant relaxation, the whole body’s flow gets going and you get help to balance the body so that it is loaded evenly. Tension and resistance are reduced and mobility throughout the body is increased. This can reduce problems with headaches, both acute and long-term.
What can I do myself?
Try to think about why you have a tension headache and try to fix it! Addressing the cause will bring long-term improvement. What is stressing you out? Why are you anxious? Are you sleeping too little, or too much, are you demanding too much of yourself, are your eyesight checked, are you eating and drinking at regular times, etc. Take frequent breaks if you sit in front of a computer in your daily work. Set aside time for a walk in nature, do relaxation exercises and practice breathing slowly through your nose. Make sure you find time to do what you enjoy, preferably every day.
Exercises for tension headaches?
Pause with light gymnastics such as stretching your arms upwards and getting as tall as possible, palms facing the ceiling, standing in the stretch for about 30 seconds. Bend down and “pick berries” to the left and right for 30 seconds. Repeat a few times.
Go for a walk, preferably in the countryside, look at the nature around you and try to concentrate on a beautiful flower or tree, listen to the birds.
Do relaxation exercises and practice deep breathing slowly through your nose. Lie down and put your legs up on a stool, 90° angle at the knee and hip, stretch your arms out to the sides with your palms facing the ceiling. Breathe deeply through the nose and hold for 10 minutes.
