About Stress & Headaches

According to statistics compiled by Cure Research, approximately one out of six Americans experiences tension headaches every year. In 2001, this resulted in over 9 million doctor's office visits. Considering how busy today's lifestyles have become, it's no surprise that stress level plays a significant role in this high incidence of those affected by tension.

Identification

• The impacts of everyday stress affect our physical, mental and emotional health. Tension buildup in the muscles requires the heart to work harder at circulating blood through the body. When the muscles in the shoulders, back and neck are tight, blood flow to the brain is affected. Unexpected occurrences, relationship conflicts and prolonged worry and anxiety can all contribute to a person's daily stress level. In effect, headaches can result from an isolated incident or from a buildup of tension in the body.

Types

• Stress headaches come in two forms--episodic and chronic. The difference between the two is in how often they occur. Those that are episodic occur less than 15 days within any given month, whereas chronic episodes occur more than 15 days out of the month. In the case of episodic headaches, a band of pain, tightness or pressure is felt about the forehead or about the head and neck. Chronic types are experienced as a throbbing pain felt at the front, top or sides of the head.

Causes

• While there is no single known cause for tension headaches, most incidents are stress-related. A buildup in muscle tension can result from overexertion, fatigue, anxiety and other emotional issues. Physical causes for tension include poor posture, inadequate rest and hunger. Episodes can be triggered by any form of environmental or internal conflict or changes in routine. Problems at home or work, the loss of a job, relocating, having a baby or even going on vacation are all possible triggers.

Treatment

• Treatments for tension headaches will vary depending on how severe the symptoms are. Over-the-counter painkillers may be sufficient for episodic forms, provided the degree of pain remains mild to moderate. Prescription-strength pain relief may be necessary when over-the-counter medications fail to alleviate symptoms. In cases where headaches are a result of emotional issues, antidepressant medications serve as a preventative measure. And while pain relief medications may alleviate symptoms, treating the source of the problem is the only way to completely eliminate symptoms related to tension.

Prevention/Solution

• Lifestyle choices play a big role in equipping the mind and body to handle everyday stressors effectively. Eating healthy, getting adequate rest and learning how to manage stress can prevent tension buildup and eliminate tension headache episodes. People with busy schedules can benefit from including down times, or alone time in their daily routines. Excessive worries and negative thinking patterns can also contribute to tension buildup. Developing a realistic perspective on what can and can't be done can relieve the mental and emotional pressures that trigger headaches.