Most headaches we get are actually tension headaches. It’s a constant, not throbbing, ache on both sides of the head, often accompanied by a feeling of pressure behind the eyes and tightness in the neck.
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5 Possible Causes of Tension Headaches – And How to Beat Them
1. Dehydration
If a headache strikes, drink a glass of water (200 to 250ml) every 15 to 20 minutes until the pain subsides.
2. Poor Sleep
Practise a wind-down routine and make sure your bedroom is dark, not too hot or cold, and keep it a place solely for sleeping.
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3. Stress
Only you know the cause, but taking time out to practise mindfulness can help.
4. Eye Strain
Look away from the task at hand every 20 minutes, focusing on the middle distance. Set the brightness, contrast and text size of your screen to make it comfy to look at. Have an eye test if headaches are frequent.
5. Muscle Tension
Notice your posture – you should be upright with a natural curve in your spine. Support your lower back when sitting, and stretch every hour.
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To find out more, visit…
- theheadacheclinic.net Based in Joburg and Cape Town – teams of specialists from different disciplines identify your ‘migraine map’ and devise a personal treatment plan.
- migrainetrust.org A UK-based charity, but their website has helpful info, from types of migraine to coping mechanisms.
Help yourself
Keep a migraine diary. It’ll help you identify patterns over three months.
Exercise. A 2011 Swedish study found exercising 40 minutes three times a week was nearly as effective as a common migraine meds in reducing attacks. In some cases, it can make headaches worse, so you’ll have to test it out.
Supplement it. Vitamin B2, CoQ10 and magnesium have all been used to prevent migraine with some success.
Consider acupuncture. Studies have shown that it can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
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By Jade Crockett; Patsy Westcott
