Chronic Tension Headaches - By: Kev Phillips

The main culprits of chronic tension headaches are said to be stress and over-exertion. If you work long and hard for a continuous number of hours, the muscles in the upper body will become stiff and the area around the head and shoulder will tighten resulting in severe headaches.

Chronic tension headaches can occur several times in a month. The severity of the pain depends on the person, thus no general level can be drawn. It is common among people of all ages although more frequently seen in adults. You would know that your tension headache is regular if it comes several times a month and for a few months consecutively. Same as the severity of the pain the duration also could vary from a few hours to couple of days.

The tension type chronic headaches will be sensitive to light and noise and will usually be accompanied with nausea. These headaches are mild and would not cause as much pain as most of the others do. Chronic migraines on the other hand are considered to be much more severe and will also consist of vomiting. This will require an immediate medical treatment.

The most irritating type of headache is considered to be the Hermicrania Continuum. With continuous pain for the whole of the day this kind of a headache is sure to get you down from all the work. Daily persistent headache will also be a bit of an uncomfortable type with a sudden occurrence and the pain in both sides of the head.

With all these symptoms and causes for chronic headaches it is advisable to get medical treatment on this long lasting headache types.Soonest possible medication is required since these headaches could well be an indicator of a serious illness.

There is however a clear distinction between a migraine and a chronic tension headache. It is important to be aware of these differences if you want to take over the counter prescriptions as drugs used for migraine do not always work for a chronic tension headache.

Chronic tension headache is not usually accompanied by slurred speech

A chronic tension headache is not usually accompanied by vomiting or nausea

The pain is all over the head if you have a chronic tension headache, and not just a throbbing pain in one place

It is less severe than a migraine and does not usually impede concentration and working ability.

Loss of appetite, a dull pain in the head, tightness around the head and around the neck and shoulders and sometimes even fatigue and difficulty sleeping are some of the main symptoms of chronic tension headaches. Often, fretfulness and sensitivity to noise may also be a symptom.

Here are a few tips to help prevent the continuing occurrence of a chronic tension headache.

Always hold a good posture, particularly if you are going to be in some place for a long period of time. Verify that you re comfortable. Provide support to your neck and shoulders by adding extra comfort in a form of a pillow or cushion

Take regular breaks from work as working too hard can cause the headaches.

Exercise whenever possible

Make sure you sleep enough and you are comfortable while sleeping

Finally, see a doctor if your headache becomes more frequent and severe. Although quite a few over-the-counter drugs do work, if the headache is persistent it's best to get the advice of a doctor, as it is likely to be a chronic tension headache.

About the Author

The Author has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website over at http://remediesforheadaches.cu55.com which has all the info you need for remedies for headaches. Find the best remedies for headaches along with help for pressure, sinus, migraine, cluster and tension headaches.

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