Headaches and Stress

What Are Tension Headaches and Migraines?
Tension headaches are also known as muscle contraction headaches and are the most common type of headache pain. Nearly everyone has experienced a tension headache. They can radiate from the eyes, neck or other muscle groups in the body, such as the back. Nearly everyone will have at least one tension headache in their lifetime.

A Migraine is a more severe headache and is a neurological disorder. Migraines are often felt on one side of the head and throb or pulsate. They can last from several hours to 3 days. A migraine headache is usually accompanied by increased sensitivity to light, nausea (with or without vomiting), and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights and noise.

Stress Management for Tension Headaches
Nearly half of all people with chronic pain complaints like headaches also have problems with depression and anxiety. And what causes most tension headaches is stress. Since tension headaches are often a symptom of mood problems that can interfere with your life, an experienced therapist can help with stress management techniques. A skilled therapist can work with you to alleviate the root cause of tension headaches – dealing with stress.

The stressors of life can increase the frequency of headache pain and their severity. Stress may also be a culprit in new headaches developing. Work situations where there is significant stress or long and stressful hours are triggers for new-onset tension headaches or migraine headaches.
Cognitive-behavior therapy is one stress management approach to stress-related headaches. A relaxation technique such as autogenic training is another approach that can give the person suffering with headaches a profound sense of relaxation. Stress management techniques can be a tremendous help in reducing the physiological response to the source of tension headaches and migraines. The headache sufferer may even find that in addition to fewer headaches, they may be able to decrease their headache medication as well.

How to Stop Headaches and Migraines
Stop needlessly suffering from tension headaches and migraines that can debilitate your life. Learn the stress management techniques that can help you live with less pain and fully enjoy the time you spend with your family and friends and better manage the stressors at work. Call for a free 15 minute consultation with a supportive professional counselor.