Headaches Tension Type
Howare tension headachestreated?
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
Tension-type headaches aren't life-threatening and are usually relieved by painkillers or lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes
Relaxation techniques can often help with stress-related headaches. This may include:
Pregnant women shouldn't take ibuprofen during the third trimester, as it could risk harming the baby, and children under 16 shouldn't be given aspirin.
Medication shouldn't be taken for more than a few days at a time and medication containing codeine, such as co-codamol, should be avoided unless recommended by a GP.
Painkiller headaches
Taking painkillers over a long period (usually 10 days or more) may lead to medication-overuse headaches developing. Your body can get used to the medication and a headache can develop if you stop taking them.
If your GPsuspects your headache is caused by the persistent use of medication, they may ask you to stop taking it. However, you shouldn't stop taking your medication without first consulting your GP.
It may then be possible to alter your diet or lifestyle to prevent them occurring as often.
Regular exercise and relaxation are also important measures to help reduce stress and tension that may be causing headaches. Maintaining good posture and ensuring you're well rested and hydrated can also help.
Guidelines from theNational Institutefor Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states that a course of up to 10 sessions ofacupunctureover a 5-8 week period may be beneficial in preventing chronic tension-type headaches.
In some cases, an antidepressant medication called amitriptyline may be prescribed to help prevent chronic tension-type headaches, although there's limited evidence ofits effectiveness. This medication doesn't treat a headache instantly, butmust be taken daily for several monthsuntil the headaches lessen.
