A tension headache can be a common issue for many people. It is the most common type of headache, and it is generally characterized by a band-like or vice-like pressure around the head, or sometimes on one side. The pain usually builds slowly and steadily over time, with no specific trigger point. Tension headaches are often caused by stress, anxiety, depression, muscle tensing due to poor posture—even dehydration. Still, they may also be brought on by hormones that cause fluid retention during pregnancy or menstruation. If you’re experiencing tension headaches lately, you should try out some treatments.
Here we will explore different ways you can treat your tension headaches.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is one of the most commonly used natural treatments for headaches that are gaining in popularity all the time. It may be applied with varying degrees of pressure using different massage techniques. You can book an at-home massage service if you don’t have time to go to a spa or ask a friend to give you a massage. The most important thing is that the person giving the massage knows where and how to apply pressure to the head and neck muscles. Speak to your local massage therapist about the types of pressure they use, and if necessary, get them to show you. Don’t be embarrassed-massage therapists are used to teaching their clients how best to relax!
Here are two types of massage associated with relieving tension-type headache pain.
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Cervical (neck) stimulation
Cervical (neck) stimulation is a type of massage often used to relieve tension headache pain. It is a massage technique that uses pressure on the neck muscles. To do cervical (neck) stimulation, you will need to apply pressure to the neck muscles using your fingers, thumbs, or knuckles. You should apply pressure for at least 30 seconds and up to two minutes. You can do this massage as often as you need to.
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Trigger point therapy
Trigger point therapy is a type of massage used to relieve tension headaches. It is a massage technique that uses pressure on specific trigger points in the body. A trigger point is a tight muscle knot that can cause pain in other body parts. You will need to find the trigger points in the neck and head areas to do trigger point therapy. To find the trigger points, press at different places along with the muscles in these areas until you feel a tender area (the trigger point). Once you have found a trigger point, apply steady pressure at that place using your fingers, thumbs, or knuckles for at least 30 seconds and up to two minutes. You should do this massage at least four times per day when you are trying to relieve your tension headache pain.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to treat various health conditions. Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants. Aromatherapy is often used to relieve tension headaches. The essential oils used in aromatherapy for tension headaches include lavender, peppermint, and chamomile.
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Lavender oil
This is often used to relieve tension headaches. It is a sweet-smelling oil extracted from the lavender plant’s flowers. Lavender oil is thought to be relaxing and soothing, and it is often used to calm the mind and body.
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Peppermint oil
It is a minty-smelling oil extracted from the peppermint plant’s leaves. Peppermint oil is thought to be cooling and refreshing, and it is often used to stimulate the mind and body.
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Chamomile oil
It is another essential oil often used to relieve tension headaches. It is a sweet-smelling oil extracted from the chamomile plant’s flowers. Chamomile oil is thought to be calming and relaxing, and it is often used to soothe the mind and body.
If you are interested in using aromatherapy to relieve your tension headache pain, you can buy essential oils at most health food stores or online. You can also find aromatherapy, massage oils, and diffusers at these stores.
Stretching
Stretching is a simple and easy way to relieve tension headaches. It is a type of exercise that helps loosen tight muscles and improve blood circulation. There are a few different stretches that you can do to relieve tension headaches.
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Neck stretch
To do the neck stretch, slowly tilt your head to the left until you feel a comfortable stretch on the right side of your neck. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then tilt your head to the right until you feel a comfortable stretch on the left side. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
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Shoulder roll-back stretch
To do the shoulder roll-back stretch, slowly roll your shoulders back until you feel a comfortable stretch in your chest and neck. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release.
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Chin tuck stretch
To do the chin tuck stretch, slowly tuck your chin towards your chest. Then, you will feel a comfortable stretch in the back of your neck. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release.
If you want to try other stretches to relieve tension headache pain, you can find different stretches online or in yoga or Pilates classes.
The next time you’re at work and feeling tension headache pain, try one of these methods for relief. Whether it’s a massage or stretching exercise to help release tight muscles, there are different ways to soothe your mind and body when you’re experiencing a migraine because of stress.
