Understanding tension headache
Tension headache Worthing can impact daily life for some people, affecting their concentration and affecting their overall well-being. Many people will associate them with stress and general work and life tension, but sometimes the reason for them is not always clear. Many sufferers describe a tightness or pressure that is mild to moderate and affects both sides of the head. They can cause little light or noise sensitivity but these symptoms are generally not severe. Tension headaches are more common in women and tend to start around teenage.
Differentiating this type of headache from other types like migraine or sinus headache and ruling out more sinister headaches is vital. This is why help from a professional is recommended.
Causes of tension headache
There are many potential causes and often it is a combination of causes that set off the headache. Possible causes include, stress, anxiety, poor exercise and posture. Excessive work demands, eyestrain, irregular blood sugar, and inadequate hydration can also trigger the headache.
Tips on tension headache prevention
There are many things you can do to help lessen tension headaches. These include healthy sleep routines, drinking plenty of water, lessening alcohol and caffeine. Reducing stress, regular stretching, work breaks and exercise.
Keeping a headache diary can help you identify triggers and therefore resolve them
Headaches that may be misdiagnosed as tension headaches
Several types of headache may misdiagnose as a tension headache. Here we look at just a couple of such headaches and the common symptoms that help to differentiate them from tension headaches.
- Migraine headaches. These headaches tend to be one sided. Migraines are often pulsing or throbbing and more severe. They are often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, light and sound intolerance.
- Sinus headache. These are often accompanied by facial pain, blocked or runny nose, altered smell and worse with forward head movement.
- Cervicogeneic headache. These are generally accompanied by neck pain and stiffness. Pain commonly affects the back of the head and neck.
Tension headache treatment Worthing
At Broadwater Osteopaths our team are perfectly placed to help you deal with tension headache Worthing. There is strong evidence that osteopathy can be an effective treatment in the treatment of both tension headaches and headaches which originate in the neck.
An osteopath is a great choice for addressing headaches and tension headaches in Worthing for several reasons:
- Holistic Approach: Osteopaths focus on the whole body rather than just the affected area, providing a comprehensive treatment plan that considers your lifestyle and physical and mental well-being.
- Personalised Treatment: Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, using a combination of hands-on techniques, stretching, and exercise guidance to enhance recovery.
- Expert Assessment: Osteopaths are skilled in assessing musculoskeletal disorders and can provide accurate diagnoses, ensuring that the right treatment is applied. We will refer you onwards if required and have access to a host of treatment options in house too.
- Long-term Solutions: Rather than just addressing symptoms, osteopathy aims to find the root cause of pain, promoting long-term health and preventing recurrence.
- Hands treatment is only part of the consultation. Our team offer advice on a range of topics, tailored to your needs, to help ease symptoms. This may include help with stress management, diet, exercise, stretching and strengthening routines.
- Acupuncture effective in treatment of headaches. Treatment is offered by several of the team at Broadwater Osteopaths, Worthing. Acupuncture treatment has shown some positive results in the treatment of headaches.
When to seek GP help for your headache
Headaches can have severe underlying causes and it is important to recognise this. There are some things to look out for, but if you are unsure, always consult professional advice. Some symptoms that should prompt a visit include- the headache is affecting daily life, it is worsening, it is your 1st headache and you are over 50, it is effecting your vision, speech, balance or movement, you also have a fever or rash, medications are not working or you are needing more, it develops suddenly and is the worst you have ever had, you have a new headache and a cancer history.
What’s next?
If you’re tired of living with headaches or tension headaches Worthing, it’s time to take action. Whether you’ve consulted a GP already or perhaps tried a few home remedies, we would encourage a visit to our osteopathic team in Worthing. Book an appointment today to start your journey toward relief and recovery. Don’t let headaches hold you back any longer; take the first step toward a pain-free life today.
