How to Get Rid of Tension Headaches ?
For a simple answer to this question, turn to those who advise: Get rid of tension and you’ll get rid of headaches. This is a long-term solution that involves lifestyle and nutrition changes that attack the real cause of tension headaches. But in the short-term, there are some ways to get rid of those headaches that come from muscle tension and stress.
If you spend a great deal of time in one position during the day you are heading toward one of the major causes of tension headaches. People who work in a single location, such as a desk or an assigned workspace in the factory, often sit or stand for long periods without moving some of the major muscles in their bodies. These muscles tighten and become stiff. The strain causes the muscles to become tense, which leads to poor blood circulation. Tension in the neck and shoulders will affect the blood circulation in the brain, eventually leading to headaches.
Of course, the simple solution is to get up and move around on a regular basis during the day. Simple changes of position will help keep the large muscles in the neck and shoulders loose and will keep the blood flowing to and from the head. It may also help to pay more attention to your posture. Try to sit or stand straight, without becoming tense in the process. Doing this a few times during the day will go a long way toward eliminating tension headaches.
If you must sit during your work day, try to get a chair that provides both comfort and good support. If you are working with your arms reaching down and outward, this will cause you to slouch. If you can get your workspace at a more comfortable level and you don’t have to bend or stoop to reach it, you will have less muscle tension. This will also reduce or eliminate the headache pain that comes from tension.
When you are in the middle of a task that won’t allow you to make changes to your workspace or doesn’t give you time to stop, try to move your head around gently, from side to side. Roll your shoulders in a slow, gentle motion to get some circulation going. These simple stretching and movement exercises can be surprisingly effective in getting rid of tension headaches.
If you already have a headache caused by tension, these exercises will also help. You can also put a warm cloth on the neck and shoulders. The warmth will help increase circulation and relax the muscles. If you can find someone who will give you a gentle massage of the shoulders and neck, this will help as well. This may not be practical in a work situation, of course!
Some people have found relief from a back-scratcher type device with rollers or balls on them. It’s also possible to find some relief with over-the-counter pain relievers, though these will only work over a longer period of time. The best method for getting rid of tension headaches is to move around, do some gentle exercises and apply massage-like pressure when possible.
Category: Diseases & Conditions, Health
Very helpful. I’ll do the way you suggested because I often have headaches when I watch TV in my couch after the dinner in the evening hours. Sitting Straight up in the evening after dinner with a glass of wine maybe difficult though after a long day work. I want to relax at home. Maybe some kind of a device is required to support my shoulder muscle. Thx.