Next to the common cold, headaches are probably one of the most prevalent health problems. While not life threatening, they are debilitating and can certainly interfere with one s normal daily activities. They also cause a considerable amount of lost working and school time. The medical profession divides them into three broad categories: primary, secondary, and cranial neuralgia. However, primary are the most common. This category is further subdivided into tension, migraines, cluster and miscellaneous. The most common of this group is the tension type. The majority of adults experience at least one at some time in the lives. Children and teenagers also have them. Among adults, they affect women more than men.
A tension headache feels like a tight band of pressure extending around the head with the most intense pain located just above the eyebrows. It is a dull ache and not a throbbing pain. It will develop gradually but the pain tends to increase with the passing of time. It may last all day but activity does not affect the intensity of the pain. Unlike some other types, it is not accompanied by nausea, or light and sound sensitivity. Scientists have not been able to pin point the exact cause but believe they are triggered by some type of stress, either physical or emotional or both.
Most people self medicate and there are a variety of over the counter medicines and treatments from which to choose. And most people also have to do some experimenting as no one treatment seems to work for everyone. People do need to be cautious and read the labels carefully. Some medications irritate the lining of the stomach and bleeding can occur. People who suffer from peptic ulcers should be particularly careful in their choices. And so should those who are already taking a prescription medicine for another ailment. Some remedies will react with other medications.
People who are already taking prescription medicines really need to check with their doctors prior to buying an over the counter headache remedy. And anyone who is responsible for children or teenagers with a headache should be sure never to give them or allow them to take aspirin. Aspirin in this age group is associated with the risk of Reyes syndrome, an extremely serious disease that can result in coma, brain damage and death. Finally, those with frequent attacks need to be aware that overuse of some medications can actually bring on what is known as a rebound headache.
These various problems lead many people to look to natural remedies. Since one of the triggers is physical stress, identifying the source and then using exercise or massage can be very effective. Acupressure is also helpful. There are two acupressure points located in the small depression on either side of the eyebrows. To use these, first concentrate on a far off object. Then start taking deep breaths. Finally, place your index and middle fingers in the small indentations next to your eyebrows and massage for about three minutes. It is even better if someone else can do this for you. You may have to do it more than once but it will often eradicate the headache completely.
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