Tension Headache

Tension Headache

This is the most common of all headaches. This form of headache is accompanied by constant pain. It can be localized or affect the entire head. Usually it is associated with sore muscles that have trigger points in the neck and upper shoulders. In addition to raw pain, other symptoms are lightheadedness and dizziness.

The causes of this kind of headache are emotional stress, anxiety, worry, depression, anger, food allergies and poor posture. Of all these, emotional stress is the most prevalent.

If you are experiencing a tension headache, you may find relief by applying an ice pack on your neck, shoulders and upper back for pain relief. Many people prefer to alternate between ice packs and hot packs.

Food supplements that can help your body deal with stress include:

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids 2,000 to 8,000 mg daily in divided doses

Bioflavonoids increase capillary strength and regulate the absorption of vitamin C. This helps to protect against harmful effects of pollution and aids in the production of anti-stress hormones. Use an esterfied or buffered form, which is gentler on the digestive system.

• DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA), 750 mg of DLPH daily to relieve pain

Be cautious taking DLPA if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure or phenylketonuria (PKU is an inherited disorder caused by a lack of an enzyme necessary to convert the amino acid phenylalanine into another amino acid, tyrosine, so that excesses can be eliminated from the body. A buildup of excess phenylalanine in the blood can lead to neurological disturbances and mental retardation.)

• Bromelain, 500 mg as needed to regulate the inflammatory response
• Magnesium, 1,000 mg in chelated form to alleviate muscular tension.
• Primrose oil, 500 mg taken 3 to 4 times a day, to supply essential fatty acids, which promote healthy circulation; and to regulate the inflammatory response, and relieve pain

Massage works wonders for tension headaches. A salve made from ginger, peppermint oil and wintergreen oil, when rubbed on the nape of the neck and temples, can help relieve tension headaches. A nice hot salt bath with aromatic oils can also help to relax the back and neck.

Ayurveda is a mind/body therapy which comes to us from India and is over 5,000 years old. The term is from Sanskrit and "ayus" means life, and "veda" means knowledge. It emphasizes the interdependence of the health of a person and its profound affect upon societal life. Along with this form of medical treatment is a therapy known as Sheradara which is the pouring of heated oils over and upon the head. This is performed for relaxation and pain relief. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies show that this calms the brain and body and that it is used to relieve stress and related disorders such as headaches. (note: Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the electrical potentials on the skull generated by currents emanating spontaneously from nerve calls in the brain.)

Magnetic therapy is another way of alleviating the pain of most headaches. The positioning of magnets on the head varies with the symptoms. Place the north pole of the magnet toward the head to increase blood flow. If one placement does not achieve relief, try another placement until symptoms start to subside. For relief from a tension headache, place the magnets either at the base of the skull or over the forehead. These placements bring a calming effect.

If you have additional magnets, place them over each temple. Chromo-magnets are very useful for regulating activity in a given area of the body. Chromo-magnets are therapeutic magnets that are designed for daily use. They each carry strength of 1,100 Gauss. Use both temporal and forehead and base of skull positions for the all-over calming affect. Duration of each application is about 15 minutes to 30 minutes or, in the case of tension headaches, until you experience some relief.

A lack in certain tissue salts may be contributing to this form of headache. In this case consult a naturopathic doctor and have them test you for which cell or tissue salt s you need more of. With this headache it most likely is a need to alternate more Potassium Chloride and Magnesium Phosphate in your diet.

If you suspect food allergies have these tested by a nutritionist's MD. For poor posture use the methods mentioned in the section on TMJ to become aware of your body position and find ways to correct it.