A tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common headache, typical, occasionally episodic. A tension Headache is related to contraction of head and neck muscles, is relieved with the over-the-counter medication and is associated with fatigue and stress in life and is rarely seen in a physician’s office. Sometimes it is intolerable and incapacitating to such an extent that the patient is afflicted to suffer from serious circumstances as marital, familial and employment.

Management of a Tension Headache

Management of a tension headache generally depends upon psychological counselling, physical therapy and pharmacotherapy. The root cause should be found out first and then the management should be done.

  • Psychological Counseling:
  1. Assuring the patient with soothing words.
  2. Behavioral management
  3. Therapeutical management
  4. Cognitive behavioural intervention
  5. Stress management programme may be effectively handled.
  6. Biofeedback and relaxation therapies.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy techniques include posturing, ergonomic instructions, massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations, heat or cold applications, manipulative relaxation techniques, deep muscle relaxation techniques combined with biofeedback training programmes. Balanced regular meals, adequate sleep and some of the best alternatives are meditation, hypnosis, yoga.
  • Transcendental Meditation: Simple techniques of transcendental meditation may give the patient great relief.
  • Acupuncture: These act by producing counter irritation and block out pain from the aching muscles. The scientific basis of acupuncture is explained by a counter irritative effect.
  • Pharmacotherapy: Analgesics like Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs - NSAIDs are effective and well tolerated. The treatment with anxiolytics, antidepressants may give some solution in many cases. Specific stressful factors acting as precipitant is to be clinically evaluated in the state of anxiety and tension.

  • Ayurvedic Home Remedies 

    In Ayurveda, headaches are classified as Vata, Pitta and Kapha type. Knowing the types of headache could help you in choosing the perfect remedy. 

    Vata type of headache 

    Vata type headaches are usually in the back portion of the head. The throbbing pain originates at the back and may travel to the front. Tension in the neck, shoulders, constipation,back stiffness is also associated with this type of headache.·        

    • Putting 3 to 5 drops of warm cow ghee in each nostril may help soothe the headache. 
    • Dehydration may also trigger headaches.Mixing 1 tablespoon of sugar and half teaspoon of salt in glass of drinking water may help.  

  • Pitta Type of Headache

    In the pitta type headaches, the pain starts from the temple area and travels to the central part of the head. The shooting pain worsens when standing out in the sun, or by eating spicy foods. ·       

    •  Apply chandan or sandalwood paste on forehead. Take half teaspoon of sandalwood powder and mix it with some water until you get a paste. Apply this paste on your forehead and let it sit for 20 minutes.·        
    • You can massage coconut oil into your scalp for some quick relief.

  • Kapha Type of Headache

    Kapha type headaches are typically the ones that occur during the winter or spring season. It often strikes in morning or evening and tends to get worse as you bend down. This kind of headache is often tied with clogged and congested nose.·       

    • Putting lukewarm salt water through Neti Pot in the nostrils may help clear clogged nose and relieve headache too.   
    • You can also sniff the Ayurveda herb Vachaa few times for better effect.         
    • Kapha congestion headaches can also be treated by inhaling eucalyptus steam. 
    • Apart from that, you can also eat half teaspoons of Sitopaladi powder with honey at least three times a day.