Chronic tension headaches are a serious ailment that can detract from enjoyment of daily life. Daily activities are subject to interruption by painful episodes that can occur any time. Chronic tension headaches are known to cause depression in some. It is important that chronic tension headaches be treated as soon as possible. Fortunately, the medical community is very experienced with the problem of chronic tension headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, the medical community has researched headache thoroughly, and has divided the phenomenon into three distinct categories.
The majority of headaches suffered can fit into the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and has the most frequent rate of occurrence by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but they can bring serious pain with them. This pain can hamper everyday enjoyment of life, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms are brought on by a tightening of the muscles that surround the base of the skull. This tightening can be initially identified as a band like feeling just above the eyes that gradually grows into a painful sensation.
Cluster and secondary headaches are a far rarer form of headache that occurs to small portion of the population. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identified by the pain level that they induce. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as like having an ice pick driven into the eye. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches can be a sign of deeper neurological issues.
Chronic tension headaches should be approached from a stress management point of view. Physical and emotional stress can be a significant source of chronic tension headaches. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can easily lead to chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress should be undertaken in order to reduce the occurrence of chronic tension headaches. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment with more powerful pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that do not abate should be a signal to see a doctor.