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What to Take for Stress Headaches

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Last updated on January 6th, 2023 at 12:08 pm

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We humans have reached an age where a sedentary lifestyle is something we cannot avoid fully. This inactive lifestyle takes a huge toll on our bodies both mentally and physically.

This lifestyle includes a lot of sitting, with little to almost no exercise, poor eating habits, work-life stress, etc. All this is enormously causing us stress.

Stress is simply a feeling of moderate to high emotional or even physical tension. It can make us feel angry, sad, annoyed, frustrated and nervous, among a spectrum of other emotions.

As a result of stress, one may experience stress headaches. These may be normal once-in-a-while headaches or even become a part of your everyday life.

This however is not good for one’s mental health, physical wellness and emotional well-being.

Let us find out about what we can take when we have stress headaches and how they can be reduced or avoided.

How to relieve a tension headache fast?

Headaches are curable. Thank god! But what must be done to relieve a tension headache fast? Let’s find out. The best to do would be to release the tense neck and shoulder muscles.

Heat can be applied too in this case. You may use a heating pad which may be set on low intensity, and use a hot bottle filled with water. You may also take a hot shower and relax down yourself.

Sometimes even using ice or cold packs can help release the pain and relieve the muscles. You can also apply balm on your head and do some massage by yourself or take help from someone.

How do I know if my headache is from stress?

It is usually not very difficult to find out what is causing you a headache. There may be some signs and symptoms to note to find out if your headache is happening owing to some stress.

Some signs and symptoms may incle feeling dull, having a headache, not feeling like eating food, feeling nervous, etc. You may also experience a sensation of tightness around and across the forehead.

Additionally, some people may even feel tenderness in their scalp, shoulder muscles or neck.

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Tension headache relief pressure points

It is no doubt that pressing on certain points in the body can immensely help relieve a headache. At the same time, it is very important that you know properly which points are to be pressed exactly.

Pressure points are the points in the body that are extremely sensitive and that can stimulate relief in the body parts.

These points can be found on your:

  • Head
  • Neck
  • Back 
  • Shoulder
  • Hands
  • Feet

Most practitioners believe that touching pressure points in a certain way can help release amounts of stress from the body and make one feel calm and better.

What helps a stress headache?

It is surprisingly common to experience discomfort and pain when having a stress headache. It is nice and helpful to first consider natural ways to cure a stress headache.

However, if the pain increases, then you should seek immediate medical attention. Natural ways may include acupressure and releasing the pressure points.  

You may also consider having a cup of green tea or hot soup that may make you feel calm. Alternatively, taking hot showers can prove to be helpful too.

Best medicine for tension headache

Some pain relievers may be available at your nearest chemist or at home and can be taken without any prescription. Some of these easily available medicines are termed best for tension headaches.

These include aspirin, naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, among others.

What triggers stress headaches?

Many medical researchers and doctors are not very aware of what really causes tension headaches to occur.

Doctors and medical researchers don’t know what exactly causes tension headaches. If one gets tension headaches, there may be some abnormalities in central pain processing.

In some cases, it is possible that one may have more sensitivity to pain.

Some triggers of tension headaches are:

  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Poor eating habits
  • Emotional stress
  • Bas posture
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Poor water intake
  • Lack of sleep

For more information, watch the video below.

Strongest headache medicine

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are seen as the most powerful in treating tension headaches. Therefore, these include – Motrin, Aleve and Advil.

What is the fastest way to relieve a tension headache?

The fastest way to relieve a tension headache is to take a nap or take a hot bath and relax. Giving yourself a head massage can be really powerful in releasing the tension in muscles.

You may also drink a cup of green tea, or a soothing warm cup of any drink and stay away from the noise. 

What causes tension headaches everyday?

Having tension headaches on a daily basis can be something of concern. While the causes for this are not very clearly identified, there are certain conditions that may cause them daily.

These may include – inflammation around blood vessels in the brain or there might be some hidden problem with the blood vessels around the brain. 

However, if tension headaches exist on a daily basis, then one must see a doctor immediately as this may also result in a stroke.

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Why do I get tension headaches everyday?

Humans have headaches from time to time but chronic headaches can be something of concern. Chronic headaches are the ones that exist on a regular basis for a long time.

One reason why you be getting tension headaches everyday may be that the blood vessels in and around your brain may be a problem or there might be some inflammation.

In such a case, one should seek medical attention.

How to relieve tension headache naturally?

To naturally release tension headaches, one should find a calm, silent place and lie down. You may want to dim or close the lights and relax. Stay away from any noise or other distractions.

You may want to consider taking a hot shower or even a good head or neck massage. Releasing the pressure points from the neck and shoulder muscles can be very satisfying and may release the tension accumulated in your muscles.

Some people like listening to calm music and relaxing, while others just massage their heads. Every person’s body responds in a different way. You may choose any of the ways that suit your body. 

How to relieve tension headache in forehead?

Tension headaches can be really annoying and we may just want to stop them in any way possible. The best solution lies in your fridge! To relieve tension headaches in the forehead, you can use ice packs and rest for some time.

This technique is magical and very helpful in reducing headaches. It relaxes the inflamed muscles and makes you feel calm.

Alternatively, simply taking a hot shower can also help you from a tension headache in the forehead.

How long do tension headaches last?

Tension headaches can be very stubborn to go away. They may intrude on your everyday functioning and limit you from working or doing any other task.

Tension headaches may, however, last at least half an hour to one hour. Sometimes, they may last for much longer time like days or weeks. In such cases, one should seek relevant medical attention.

FAQ relating to what to take for stress headaches

Here are some frequently asked questions relating to what to take for stress headaches.

Why do I wake up with a headache every day?

If you wake up everyday and notice you have a headache then this is owing to some reasons. It may be owing to either some personal habits or there may be some underlying medical condition too. 

You might be having sleep apnea or migraine. However, lack of good sleep can also be a cause. Additionally, alcohol use and some medications that you be on can also result in you having a headache when you wake up in the morning.

Can my pillow be causing my headaches?

If the pillow you use is not giving your neck and head proper support, then this may cause headaches to you. It is important that you hold your head and neck in alignment with the spine.

Not doing so, can also trigger headaches. Therefore, one should choose wisely the pillow they use while sleeping.

Is morning headache a red flag?

While headaches can be normal in the morning owing to a lack of proper sleep, sometimes there might be a red flag. If you constantly experience headaches in the morning, then you must seek medical attention and consult a doctor.

Why does my head feel heavy and pressure?

Feeling pressure and heaviness in the head is normal these days. With the kind of imbalance we have in our lives, such conditions are becoming very common.

However, one should take notice of them consistently and not ignore their vital signs and symptoms. Some common causes for this may include tension headaches, migraines, and other infections.

However, severe head pressure and heaviness may sometimes be a sign of some medical seriousness like a brain tumor. Therefore, it is better to seek medical advice in such cases.

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