Treating Tension Headache Pain

Tension headaches tend to start slowly with a dull ache and get worse over time. They can be triggered by stress, poor sleep, painful emotions, poor posture, and neck strain. You may also have tension in your shoulders, neck, or jaw.

Studies have shown these treatments work well for this type of headache.

• Chiropractic care:
  Includes adjustments, pain-easing modalities (such as massage), and exercises to help posture.
• Stress-control techniques:
  Belly breathing and visualization skills help ease stress.
• Exercising:
  Try routine aerobic workouts and yoga.
• Eating:
  Do not skip meals; drink plenty of water.
• Getting enough sleep:
  Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoiding your triggers:
  You can start learning what your triggers are by keeping a headache diary. Over time you may see patterns of what is causing your headaches.

Learning your triggers can help you and your doctor better manage your headaches and find what works for you. Once you start to learn your triggers, see what you can do to avoid them.

Tips to help ease the pain:

• Rest in a quiet, dark place.
  Place a cool cloth on your forehead.
• Use heat or cold to ease muscle tension.
  Try an ice pack, heating pad, or hot or cold bath or shower—whichever works best for you.
• Use massage to calm sore muscles.
  Rub your temples, scalp, neck, or shoulders.
• Use breathing techniques to handle stress.
  Try taking slow, full breaths into your belly.

Ask your chiropractor if there are any tests, referrals, or treatments that might be helpful to use along with your current treatment plan.

Other treatment options may include the following:

• Physical therapy:
  This can involve exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to ease pain and strengthen affected body regions.
• Acupuncture:
  This includes pain-easing and stress-calming techniques.
• Massage Therapy:
  This relieves muscle tension and lowers stress.
• Medicines:
  There are a number of different medications that may help with pain relief.

Call County Line Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment at one of our six chiropractic locations in South Florida!