How to Relieve a Tension Headache

There are many different kinds of headaches such as migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches or tension headaches. Studies show that the most common headache that about 90 percent of people suffer is tension headache. Here are some ideas that you can use to relieve a tension headache.

Instructions

• 1

  Find out the cause of your headache. If you can discover the cause, it's generally easy to make adjustments to avoid a future attack.

• 2

  Keep a journal of your headache occurrences and what you were consuming or what you were doing before the onset of your headache. This record will help you trace a pattern of what triggers your headache.

• 3

  Take over-the-counter medicine to help relieve your headache.

• 4

  Take a hot shower or bath. It can help relax the muscles in your body. Sometimes stress and tension in your body can trigger headaches.

• 5

  Eat well. Avoid skipping meals as a lack of proper food intake can cause headaches. Drink lots of water, a lack of fluid can also trigger headaches.

• 6

  Exercise; you can never go wrong with exercise. It adds to the overall well being of the body. Exercising regularly helps your body fight stress, which is one of the main triggers for headaches.

• 7

  Relax and take things easy. Don't worry about things you can't control.

• 8

  Retire to bed early and rise early. Getting sufficient sleep can prevent headaches.

• 9

  Massage your scalp, temple, neck and shoulders. Enlist the assistance of someone else to help massage you. It will really help make you feel better.

• 10

  Apply a cold or heat pad to soothe your neck and shoulders.

• 11

  Take frequent breaks, especially if you use the computer a lot.

• 12

  Change your pillow or sleeping position. Sometimes, these can strain the muscles on your neck and cause a headache as well.