Are you one of the millions of people worldwide who suffer from a constant headache? In the United States alone, over 10 million patients per year visit their doctor because of chronic head pain. Due to missed work and medical costs, headaches cost America more than 50 billion dollars every year. If you suffer from head pain on a regular basis, chances are that you have chronic tension headaches. Understanding the causes of this ailment can go a long way towards improving your quality of life.
Types of Tension Headaches
There are two kinds of tension headaches:
1) Episodic Tension Headaches:
These occur less than 15 days per month.
*The pain begins slowly and may last from 30 minutes to 4 days.
*The pain is classified as mild to moderate.
*You will experience constant pain, throbbing, or pressure.
*The headache affects the top or sides of your head.
2) Chronic Tension Headaches:
These occur more than 15 days per month.
*The pain may vary in intensity throughout the day, but it never really goes away.
*The headache affects the top or sides of your head.
Associated Symptoms of Chronic Headache May Include:
* Fatigue
* Insomnia
* Irritability
* Muscle aches and soreness
* Sensitivity to noise and/or light
* Inability to concentration
Tips for Reducing the Occurrence of Constant Headache
A constant headache is difficult to treat because there is a such a variety of possible causes. Try to figure out what triggers your headaches so you can avoid unnecessary attacks.
For a lot of people, tension headaches are triggered by certain types of foods. The most common food trigger is a chemical known as aspartame. This substance causes blood vessels in the brain to expand, which is known to be one of the main biological causes of headaches.
Some people find that caffeine helps ease the pain of their headaches, but drinking too much will cause what is known as the rebound effect. This means that the caffeine you are drinking to treat your headache may actually be causing even more headaches! It is best for constant headache sufferers to abstain entirely from caffeine.
It is essential that you avoid tobacco and alcohol. These are two of the most potent triggers for a lot of people. You should also eat healthy meals on a regular basis; skipping meals is a very common cause of constant headaches. Try to ensure that you get at least eight hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep is necessary for the maintenance of your body's immune system. However, be careful not to oversleep; getting more rest than your body needs may trigger your headaches.
Make sure that you drink plenty of water. Dehydration causes headaches in everyone, so it will almost always trigger your headache. It is believed that tension headaches are aggravated by exposure to bright sunlight. If you are exercising outdoors, always avoid dehydration by consuming a lot of water; it also may help to wear sunglasses to reduce the possibility of an attack.
If you follow a few simple guidelines and use a little common sense, it is likely that you will not have to endure as much pain. Do not recklessly rush into the risky world of prescription medication. Simply implementing some of the lifestyle changes mentioned above may be all that you need to escape the misery of a constant headache.
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