Stress Headache Relief

There are a variety of successful methods for stress headache relief that helps ease the vise like pressure and constant pain quickly.

You can relieve a headache.

Stress Headaches

Approximately 80 percent of the population at sometime during their lifetime experiences a stress headache, which is the most common type of headache. For many people these painful headaches occur often and may become chronic.

Generally the pain originates in the back area of the head just above the neck, in an area known as the occiput. The pain moves forward to the temporal regions located on each side of the forehead. Often the pain affects the entire head, neck, and scalp.

Commonly called tension headaches, stress headaches are also known by many other names including:

• Ordinary
• Benign
• Tension-type
• Muscle contraction
• Depressive
• Idiopathic
• Essential
• Psychogenic

Natural Remedies for Stress Headache Relief

When you are suffering from a stress headache, you want quick relief. Try one, or a combination, of the following natural remedies and techniques the next time a tension headache strikes.

Deep Breathing

A natural way to slow the body’s reaction to stress, deep breathing is a great way to relax and ease the pain of a tension headache. Slowly inhale and exhale remaining aware of each breath you take.

Massage Therapy

Massaging your temples, neck, and forehead may bring complete relief from a tension headache. If there is someone there to help with the massage, have them massage your lower back or shoulders.

Relaxation Techniques

The following are several of the many effective relaxation techniques for relieving a stress headache.

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga
• Mediation
• Relaxation imagery exercises

Essential Oils

Peppermint oil is a popular home remedy for stress headache relief. Simply rub a few drops of the essential oil onto your temples, forehead, and neck. Placing a few drops of peppermint oil onto a handkerchief and breathing in the vapors also helps relieve headache pain. Another essential oil effective in reducing headache pain is rosemary oil.

Herbal Teas

Drinking a cup of herbal tea often relieves a tension headache as it promotes a relaxed feeling. Popular tea choices include:

• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Chamomile
• Linden Flower
• Catnip
• White Willow Bark
• Valerian
• Meadow Sweet

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy helps your body relax both physically and mentally. Excellent choices to relieve headache pain are lavender, peppermint, or chamomile. Use candles, wax melts, or scent diffusers to distribute the aromas.

Acupressure

Acupressure techniques are effective methods of relieving headache pain. Find the soft fleshy area of your hand where your index finger and thumb meet. Apply pressure to the area for two or three minutes. For some individuals, a slight circular motion may be more effective.

Additional Ways to Relieve a Tension Headache

• Take a hot shower allowing the water to flow over your neck and back for several minutes
• Soak in a hot tub
• Apply a heating pad, hot compress, or hot water bottle to the back of your neck
• Apply an ice pack, cold compress, or a bag of frozen vegetables to the back of your neck
• Stretch the muscles in your neck by gently rolling your head
• Take a walk
• Take a nap
• Exercise

The following techniques for relieving tension headache pain require professional care.

• Prolotherapy
• Reflexology
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic Care
• Acupuncture
• Reiki
• Hypnotherapy
• Therapeutic Touch

Medications for Relief of a Stress Headache

Medications for relief of stress headaches include over the counter and prescription drugs. The following over the counter medications are commonly used in treating tension headaches.

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Naproxen
• Combinations of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine

Doctors may recommend a prescription muscle relaxant if a severe muscle contraction accompanies the headache. Other prescription medications prescribed for very severe headaches may include:

• Stronger versions of ibuprofen or naproxen
• Diclofenac
• Tolmetin
• Ketoprofen
• Isometheptene
• Codeine
• Hydrocodone

A Word of Caution

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following conditions accompany your headache.

• A sudden severe headache
• Headache with mental confusion, double vision, seizures, difficulty speaking, numbness, weakness, fever, rash, or a stiff neck
• Headache worsening after an injury
• A chronic headache that gets worse after moving suddenly, coughing, or physical exertion

Knowing the techniques and methods for stress headache relief helps you become pain free faster with or without traditional medications.

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