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Understanding Stress headaches
By M. A. Fulmar

Stress headaches, which are also known as tension headaches, daily headaches, chronic non-progressive headaches or muscle contraction headaches, are the most common type of headache. While over 50% of adults experience stress headaches, this condition is more common among women.

Most stress headaches begin little by little and take place during the middle of the day. Stress headaches can be mild (or episodic) and occurs less than fifteen days a month. It is usually experienced by people who are undergoing a stressful situation. This kind of headache can give you a constant pain that could last from an hour to the entire day.

Other people experience extreme (or chronic) stress headaches, which occurs daily or more than fifteen days a month. Symptoms of both mild and extreme stress headaches may include irritability, frequent dizziness, fatigue, changes in sleeping patterns, muscle aches, disturbed concentration, sensitivity to noise or light and headaches early in the morning.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to know the cause of stress headaches because it is not an inherited trait and causes for each person may greatly vary. However, stress headaches are generally triggered by work, friends, school, family and any internal or environmental stress.

Treating Stress Headaches

Stress headaches are part of growing up – be ready to experience this condition by the time you reach adolescence. When the muscles on your neck suddenly tighten, it could mean that you're experiencing a stress headache.

Since stress headaches may occur due to different reasons, it is best that you consult your physician and describe the pain associated with the headache. For an extremely painful headache, your physician could make you take x-ray examinations, blood tests, brain scans and other tests to determine how to treat your stress headache.

However, if you rarely experience headaches, you could try on taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Be aware, though, that drugs without prescription could cause stomach bleeding, ulcer or other potential side effects.

While you can always take medicine to relieve pain from stress headaches, there are several things you can do to avoid headaches. Lifestyle changes such as a proper diet and regular exercise are known to prevent stress headaches.

Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to experience extreme stress headaches compared to non-smokers. Therefore, if you're a smoker, it is best that you stop these bad habits before your condition becomes chronic.

If you're always tired, not getting enough sleep, suppress anger, or always irritable and high-strung about little things, you should relax and take a nap to avoid headaches. Stress headaches are common, but it can be prevented by getting plenty of rest, exercising, following a proper diet, drinking plenty of water and taking enough time to relax.

Author Details:
M. A. Fulmar writes about health matters for various websites including, The A to Z of and Information Junkie.

Source: Health Articles

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