Ból głowy napięciowy
Leczenie

Ból głowy napięciowy (TTH) jest najczęstszym typem bólu głowy, dotykającym około 66% dorosłych w USA. Leczenie farmakologiczne dzieli się na doraźne, stosowane przy epizodycznych bólach, oraz profilaktyczne, zalecane przy bólach występujących ≥15 dni/miesiąc przez co najmniej 3 miesiące. W terapii doraźnej stosuje się paracetamol, NLPZ (ibuprofen, naproksen) oraz leki złożone z kofeiną, z zaleceniem ograniczenia stosowania do <15 dni/miesiąc, aby uniknąć bólu z nadużywania leków. W przypadku nieskuteczności leków OTC rozważa się indometacynę, ketoprofen lub ketorolak. Profilaktycznie stosuje się trójpierścieniowe leki przeciwdepresyjne (np. amitryptylinę), SSRI, wenlafaksynę, mirtazapinę, leki przeciwpadaczkowe (gabapentynę, topiramat), leki rozluźniające mięśnie (cyklobenzapryna, metokarbamol, tyzanidyna) oraz beta-blokery (propranolol). Leczenie profilaktyczne wymaga kilku tygodni do miesięcy stosowania, a przerwanie terapii bez konsultacji jest niewskazane.

Ból głowy napięciowy – metody terapii

Ból głowy napięciowy (ang. tension-type headache, TTH) jest najczęstszym typem bólu głowy, dotykającym około 2/3 dorosłych osób w USA. Leczenie tego schorzenia może być prowadzone z wykorzystaniem zarówno metod farmakologicznych, jak i niefarmakologicznych. Wybór odpowiedniej terapii zależy od częstości występowania, nasilenia dolegliwości oraz indywidualnych potrzeb pacjenta.123

Leczenie farmakologiczne

Leczenie farmakologiczne bólu głowy napięciowego można podzielić na dwa główne rodzaje: leczenie doraźne oraz leczenie profilaktyczne.45

Leczenie doraźne

W przypadku epizodycznych bólów głowy napięciowych, pojawiających się stosunkowo rzadko, podstawowym wyborem są leki przeciwbólowe dostępne bez recepty:67

  • Paracetamol – często stosowany jako lek pierwszego wyboru, szczególnie u kobiet w ciąży89
  • Niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne (NLPZ), takie jak:
    • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
    • Naproksen (Aleve)
    • Kwas acetylosalicylowy (aspiryna) – nie zalecany u dzieci poniżej 16 roku życia1011
  • Leki złożone, zawierające paracetamol i/lub aspirynę w połączeniu z kofeiną – mogą być skuteczniejsze niż pojedyncze substancje121314

Należy podkreślić, że leki przeciwbólowe powinny być stosowane z ostrożnością i nie dłużej niż przez kilka dni, ponieważ zbyt częste ich używanie (ponad 15 dni w miesiącu) może prowadzić do bólu głowy z nadużywania leków (medication overuse headache).151617

W przypadku niedostatecznej skuteczności leków dostępnych bez recepty, lekarz może przepisać silniejsze leki przeciwbólowe, takie jak:1819

  • Indometacyna (Indocin)
  • Ketoprofen
  • Ketorolak (Toradol)

U pacjentów, którzy cierpią jednocześnie na migrenę i napięciowe bóle głowy, lekarze mogą przepisać tryptany, które są skuteczne w leczeniu obydwu typów bólu.2021

Leczenie profilaktyczne

W przypadku częstych epizodycznych lub przewlekłych bólów głowy napięciowych (występujących 15 lub więcej dni w miesiącu przez co najmniej 3 miesiące) może być konieczne wdrożenie leczenia profilaktycznego. Celem takiej terapii jest zmniejszenie częstości występowania, nasilenia i czasu trwania bólów głowy.222324

Najczęściej stosowane leki w profilaktyce bólów głowy napięciowych to:2526

  • Trójpierścieniowe leki przeciwdepresyjne – najlepiej przebadaną i najczęściej stosowaną opcją jest amitryptylina (Elavil), która ma udowodnioną skuteczność w zmniejszaniu częstości występowania bólów głowy napięciowych27282930
  • Inne leki przeciwdepresyjne:
  • Leki przeciwpadaczkowe:
    • Gabapentyna (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin)3536
    • Topiramat (Topamax)3738
  • Leki rozluźniające mięśnie, takie jak:
    • Cyklobenzapryna (Amrix, Fexmid)39
    • Metokarbamol (Robaxin)40
    • Tyzanidyna41
  • Beta-blokery (np. propranolol) – mogą być stosowane w połączeniu z lekami przeciwdepresyjnymi w przypadku ciężkich, przewlekłych bólów głowy napięciowych42

Warto zaznaczyć, że leki profilaktyczne mogą wymagać kilku tygodni lub nawet miesięcy stosowania, zanim przyniosą oczekiwane efekty. Nie należy przerywać ich przyjmowania bez konsultacji z lekarzem, nawet jeśli początkowo wydają się nieskuteczne.4344

Leczenie niefarmakologiczne

Metody niefarmakologiczne mogą być stosowane zarówno samodzielnie, jak i w połączeniu z lekami, co często daje najlepsze rezultaty. Szczególnie wskazane są dla pacjentów, którzy nie mogą przyjmować leków (np. kobiety w ciąży) lub preferują podejście bez użycia farmaceutyków.454647

Techniki relaksacyjne i zarządzanie stresem

Ponieważ stres jest jednym z głównych czynników wywołujących napięciowe bóle głowy, techniki relaksacyjne mogą być bardzo skuteczne:484950

  • Biofeedback – metoda polegająca na nauczeniu pacjenta kontrolowania funkcji organizmu, takich jak napięcie mięśniowe, za pomocą urządzeń monitorujących. Badania wykazały, że jest to jedna z najskuteczniejszych niefarmakologicznych metod leczenia napięciowych bólów głowy515253
  • Trening relaksacyjny – obejmuje techniki głębokiego oddychania, progresywną relaksację mięśni5455
  • Medytacja – regularna praktyka medytacji może pomóc w normalizacji poziomu kortyzolu, co może prowadzić do zmniejszenia częstości występowania bólów głowy5657
  • Joga – różne pozycje i techniki oddechowe jogi mogą zmniejszyć napięciowe bóle głowy poprzez poprawę krążenia krwi i zmniejszenie poziomu lęku5859
Terapia poznawczo-behawioralna (CBT)

CBT jest formą psychoterapii, która pomaga pacjentom rozpoznawać i zmieniać negatywne wzorce myślenia i zachowania. W kontekście bólów głowy napięciowych, CBT może pomóc w:606162

  • Identyfikacji i radzeniu sobie z czynnikami wyzwalającymi ból
  • Rozwijaniu technik radzenia sobie ze stresem
  • Zmianie negatywnych przekonań na temat bólu
  • Poprawie ogólnej jakości życia
Fizykoterapia i terapia manualna

Metody fizykoterapeutyczne mogą być skuteczne w leczeniu napięciowych bólów głowy, szczególnie gdy są one związane z napięciem mięśni szyi, karku i barków:636465

  • Masaż – może rozluźnić napięte mięśnie głowy, szyi i ramion, co pomaga złagodzić ból6667
  • Ciepłe lub zimne okłady – aplikacja ciepła lub zimna na obszary bólu lub napięcia może przynieść ulgę6869
  • Ćwiczenia fizyczne i rozciągające – regularna aktywność fizyczna może pomóc w zmniejszeniu częstości i nasilenia bólów głowy napięciowych7071
  • Korekta postawy – poprawa ergonomii miejsca pracy i nauka prawidłowej postawy ciała7273
  • Ultrasonografia i stymulacja elektryczna – mogą pomóc w rozluźnieniu napiętych mięśni7475
Inne metody terapeutyczne

Istnieją również inne metody terapeutyczne, które mogą być pomocne w leczeniu napięciowych bólów głowy:7677

  • Akupunktura – metoda polegająca na wprowadzaniu cienkich igieł w określone punkty ciała. Badania dotyczące skuteczności akupunktury w leczeniu napięciowych bólów głowy dają niejednoznaczne wyniki, jednak niektóre z nich wskazują na jej potencjalną skuteczność, zwłaszcza w połączeniu z innymi metodami terapeutycznymi787980
  • Iniekcje do punktów spustowych – podanie środków znieczulających w określone punkty w mięśniach, które mogą być źródłem bólu8182
  • Blokady nerwu potylicznego – mogą przynieść ulgę w bólu poprzez zablokowanie przewodnictwa nerwowego8384
  • Toksyna botulinowa (Botox) – iniekcje Botoxu mogą być rozważane w niektórych przypadkach przewlekłych napięciowych bólów głowy, choć dowody na skuteczność tej metody są mieszane8586
  • Suplementy – niektóre badania sugerują, że suplementy takie jak magnez, ryboflawina, koenzym Q10 czy zioła (np. bukwica, złocień maruna) mogą pomóc w zapobieganiu napięciowym bólom głowy, jednak należy skonsultować się z lekarzem przed rozpoczęciem ich stosowania8788

Zalecenia dotyczące stylu życia

Modyfikacja stylu życia może znacząco wpłynąć na zmniejszenie częstości i nasilenia napięciowych bólów głowy:899091

  • Regularna aktywność fizyczna – co najmniej 30 minut umiarkowanej aktywności fizycznej 5 razy w tygodniu może pomóc w redukcji stresu i napięcia mięśniowego9293
  • Odpowiednia ilość snu – ustalenie regularnego harmonogramu snu i zapewnienie odpowiedniego odpoczynku9495
  • Prawidłowe nawodnienie – picie odpowiedniej ilości wody w ciągu dnia9697
  • Zbalansowana dieta – regularne posiłki, unikanie głodzenia się9899
  • Ograniczenie spożycia kofeiny i alkoholu – nadmierne spożycie tych substancji może przyczyniać się do występowania bólów głowy100101
  • Unikanie sytuacji stresowych – w miarę możliwości102
  • Prowadzenie dzienniczka bólów głowy – może pomóc w identyfikacji czynników wyzwalających103104

Indywidualizacja terapii

Skuteczne leczenie bólów głowy napięciowych wymaga indywidualnego podejścia. Lekarz powinien opracować plan leczenia uwzględniający specyficzne potrzeby pacjenta, częstość występowania bólów głowy, ich nasilenie oraz indywidualne czynniki wyzwalające.105106

Często najlepsze rezultaty przynosi kombinacja różnych metod terapeutycznych – farmakoterapii, terapii behawioralnych oraz modyfikacji stylu życia. Podejście multidyscyplinarne, angażujące różnych specjalistów (neurologów, fizjoterapeutów, psychologów), może być szczególnie skuteczne w przypadku przewlekłych napięciowych bólów głowy.107108

Wnioski

Napięciowe bóle głowy to schorzenie, które można skutecznie leczyć przy zastosowaniu odpowiednich strategii terapeutycznych. Kluczowe znaczenie ma wczesne rozpoznanie i wdrożenie odpowiedniego leczenia, które powinno być dostosowane do indywidualnych potrzeb pacjenta.109110

W przypadku epizodycznych bólów głowy napięciowych zwykle wystarczające jest stosowanie leków przeciwbólowych dostępnych bez recepty oraz technik radzenia sobie ze stresem. Natomiast przewlekłe napięciowe bóle głowy wymagają bardziej kompleksowego podejścia, obejmującego leki profilaktyczne, terapię behawioralną i modyfikację stylu życia.111112

Ważne jest, aby pacjenci aktywnie uczestniczyli w procesie leczenia, monitorując swoje objawy, identyfikując czynniki wyzwalające i stosując się do zaleceń lekarskich. Dzięki odpowiedniemu podejściu terapeutycznemu większość pacjentów z napięciowymi bólami głowy może osiągnąć znaczącą poprawę jakości życia.113114

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  1. 12.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Tension Headache: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8257-tension-headaches
    Tension headaches are the most common headache type. […] There are home treatments for tension headaches, and healthcare providers may prescribe medication and other therapies that will ease tension headache pain and pressure. […] Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent a tension headache. And if home treatment doesn’t work, healthcare providers may have medications and other therapies to ease tension headache pressure. […] If you have chronic tension headaches, your provider may prescribe: Antiseizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) or topiramate (Topamax, Topiragen). […] Antidepressants like amitriptyline that relieve pain. […] Alternative therapies like biofeedback, meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage stress. […] Physical therapy for sleep apnea or TMJ.
  • #2 Tension headache Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/tension-headache
    A comprehensive treatment plan, including relaxation, exercise, lifestyle changes, and occasional medication can be very effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of tension headaches. […] Biofeedback, yoga, and relaxation techniques, for example, can help relieve pain and lower the number of headaches you have. Regular exercise helps, too. […] Keeping a headache diary can help identify the source of your tension headaches and how you can change your environment and habits to avoid them. […] Good health habits may help reduce stress and tension headaches: Get enough sleep, Eat a healthy diet, Get regular exercise, Quit smoking, Use relaxation techniques. […] Medications are used both to relieve pain and to prevent headaches if you have chronic tension headaches. […] Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics — are usually effective.
  • #3 Tension type headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3444224/
    Tension type headaches are common in clinical practice. […] The classification, clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment of tension type headache are discussed in this paper. […] The treatment of tension type headaches can be divided into two broad groups Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic. Both these strategies can be applied for acute treatment as well as for prevention. […] For patients with frequent episodic tension type headache, simple analgesics and NSAIDSs are the mainstays in the acute therapy. […] The most efficacious drug for preventing recurrent ETTH is amitriptyline. […] In general, pharmacotherapy, behavioral modalities and physical medicine are effective for prevention and should be used in combination to achieve optimum results. […] Non-pharmacologic management includes physical therapy and psychologic treatment.
  • #4 Tension type headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3444224/
    Tension type headaches are common in clinical practice. […] The classification, clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment of tension type headache are discussed in this paper. […] The treatment of tension type headaches can be divided into two broad groups Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic. Both these strategies can be applied for acute treatment as well as for prevention. […] For patients with frequent episodic tension type headache, simple analgesics and NSAIDSs are the mainstays in the acute therapy. […] The most efficacious drug for preventing recurrent ETTH is amitriptyline. […] In general, pharmacotherapy, behavioral modalities and physical medicine are effective for prevention and should be used in combination to achieve optimum results. […] Non-pharmacologic management includes physical therapy and psychologic treatment.
  • #5 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    Tension-type headache (TTH) is a common primary headache with tremendous socioeconomic impact. Establishment of an accurate diagnosis is important before initiation of any treatment. Nondrug management is crucial. Information, reassurance and identification of trigger factors may be rewarding. Psychological treatments with scientific evidence for efficacy include relaxation training, EMG biofeedback and cognitive-behavioural therapy. […] Simple analgesics are the mainstays for treatment of episodic TTH. Combination analgesics, triptans, muscle relaxants and opioids should not be used, and it is crucial to avoid frequent and excessive use of simple analgesics to prevent the development of medication-overuse headache. The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is drug of first choice for the prophylactic treatment of chronic TTH. The efficacy is modest and treatment is often hampered by side effects. Thus, treatment of frequent TTH is often difficult and multidisciplinary treatment strategies can be useful. The development of specific nonpharmacological and pharmacological managements for TTH with higher efficacy and fewer side effects is urgently needed.
  • #6 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    Some people with tension-type headaches don’t see a health care professional and try to treat the pain on their own. But repeated use of pain relievers available without a prescription can cause another type of headache known as medication overuse headache. Your health care professional can work with you to find the right treatment for your headaches. […] Several medicines can help reduce the pain of a headache. They include medicines you can buy at the store without a prescription and medicines available with a prescription. […] Pain relievers available without a prescription are usually the first line of treatment for reducing headache pain. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). […] Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or both are often combined with caffeine or a sedative in a single medicine. Combination medicines may be more effective than single-ingredient pain relievers. Many combination medicines are available without a prescription.
  • #7 Chronic Tension Headache: Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/brain-nerves/headache-leaflet/chronic-tension-headache
    Chronic tension headache is a condition where you have a tension headache on at least 15 days every month for at least three months. A medicine called amitriptyline may help to prevent the headaches from occurring. […] Painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen can be useful to treat tension headaches when they occur. Importantly though, they shouldn’t be taken for headaches for more than a couple of days at a time, and, on average, do not take them for more than two days in any week for headaches. […] Amitriptyline is the medicine most commonly used to treat chronic tension headaches. This medicine is not a painkiller and so does not take away a headache if a headache develops. It needs to be taken every day to reduce how often headaches occur. […] Physiotherapy may help chronic tension headaches through teaching relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
  • #8 Tension headaches
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tension-headaches/
    Tension headaches are very common and most people get them. You can treat them yourself with painkillers but see a GP if you have several headaches a week or they’re severe. […] There are some things you can do to treat a tension headache yourself. […] use painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant, and children under 16 should not take aspirin […] try doing activities to help you relax like exercise, yoga and massage […] A pharmacist can help with headaches. […] The GP may advise you about taking painkillers for tension headaches, such as when to take medicine and how often you should take it. […] An antidepressant medicine called amitriptyline is also sometimes recommended to help prevent tension headaches.
  • #9 Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/headache-treatment-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    A pain reliever may be recommended first for the treatment of tension-type headache. These medications work better when taken early after the headache starts and include: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin. […] Mild pain relievers are also available in combination with caffeine, which enhances the medication’s effect; an example is acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. […] Pain relievers should not be used too often because overuse can lead to medication-overuse headaches or chronic daily headaches. […] Preventive treatment—Preventive therapy is recommended for people with tension-type headaches that are frequent, such as those that occur nine or more days each month. […] Antidepressant medicines called tricyclics (TCAs) are often used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] Other medicines such as mirtazapine, topiramate, or gabapentin may also be used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] These medicines are often used in combination with behavioral therapy to prevent tension-type headaches.
  • #10 Tension headaches
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tension-headaches/
    Tension headaches are very common and most people get them. You can treat them yourself with painkillers but see a GP if you have several headaches a week or they’re severe. […] There are some things you can do to treat a tension headache yourself. […] use painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant, and children under 16 should not take aspirin […] try doing activities to help you relax like exercise, yoga and massage […] A pharmacist can help with headaches. […] The GP may advise you about taking painkillers for tension headaches, such as when to take medicine and how often you should take it. […] An antidepressant medicine called amitriptyline is also sometimes recommended to help prevent tension headaches.
  • #11 Tension headache – causes, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tension-headache
    A tension headache is a feeling of tightness or pressure around your head. […] A tension headache will usually go away with over-the-counter pain medicines, rest, a heat pack or massage. […] You can ease tension headaches by taking over-the-counter pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Tablets containing pain-relief medicine combined with caffeine can work especially well. […] You can also relieve tension headaches by: resting, applying a heat pack, massaging your neck, drinking water, if you haven’t had enough to drink, trying acupuncture or physiotherapy. […] If you get tension headaches frequently, stress management techniques can help reduce how often your headache comes on. You might want to try yoga, meditation, biofeedback training or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Occasionally, your doctor might prescribe you a preventive medicine. […] You can prevent tension headaches by making healthy lifestyle changes: Take time for relaxation and stress management techniques. Drink plenty of water. Get regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Improve your posture.
  • #12 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Tension-type headache typically causes pain that radiates in a band-like fashion bilaterally from the forehead to the occiput. […] Treatment of tension-type headache typically involves the use of over-the-counter analgesics. […] Sedating antihistamines or antiemetics can potentiate the pain-relieving effects of standard analgesics. […] Amitriptyline is the most widely researched prophylactic agent for frequent headaches. […] Among the commonly employed modalities are biofeedback, relaxation training, self-hypnosis, and cognitive therapy. […] Treatment goals for patients with tension-type headache should include recommending effective OTC analgesic agents and discovering and ameliorating any circumstances that may be triggering the headaches or causing the patient concern. […] Tension-type headache is most commonly self-treated with OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen.
  • #13 Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/headache-treatment-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    A pain reliever may be recommended first for the treatment of tension-type headache. These medications work better when taken early after the headache starts and include: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin. […] Mild pain relievers are also available in combination with caffeine, which enhances the medication’s effect; an example is acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. […] Pain relievers should not be used too often because overuse can lead to medication-overuse headaches or chronic daily headaches. […] Preventive treatment—Preventive therapy is recommended for people with tension-type headaches that are frequent, such as those that occur nine or more days each month. […] Antidepressant medicines called tricyclics (TCAs) are often used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] Other medicines such as mirtazapine, topiramate, or gabapentin may also be used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] These medicines are often used in combination with behavioral therapy to prevent tension-type headaches.
  • #14 Tension headache – causes, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tension-headache
    A tension headache is a feeling of tightness or pressure around your head. […] A tension headache will usually go away with over-the-counter pain medicines, rest, a heat pack or massage. […] You can ease tension headaches by taking over-the-counter pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Tablets containing pain-relief medicine combined with caffeine can work especially well. […] You can also relieve tension headaches by: resting, applying a heat pack, massaging your neck, drinking water, if you haven’t had enough to drink, trying acupuncture or physiotherapy. […] If you get tension headaches frequently, stress management techniques can help reduce how often your headache comes on. You might want to try yoga, meditation, biofeedback training or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Occasionally, your doctor might prescribe you a preventive medicine. […] You can prevent tension headaches by making healthy lifestyle changes: Take time for relaxation and stress management techniques. Drink plenty of water. Get regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Improve your posture.
  • #15 Adult tension headache treatment guidance – South & West
    https://southwest.devonformularyguidance.nhs.uk/formulary/chapters/4-central-nervous-system/tension-headache
    Adult tension headache treatment guidance […] For acute treatment […] Consider aspirin, paracetamol or an NSAID for the acute treatment of tension-type headache taking into account the person’s preference, comorbidities and risk of adverse events. […] Do not offer opioids for the acute treatment of tension-type headache. […] For prophylactic treatment […] Consider a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over 5-8 weeks for the prophylactic treatment of chronic tension-type headache (not available on NHS) […] very rare that a patient with tension type headache should require prophylactic medication, but if prophylaxis is considered necessary amitriptyline (unlicensed) may be tried in some cases: initially 10mg at night, increased if necessary to maintenance of 50-75mg at night; maximum 150mg at night
  • #16 Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/headache-treatment-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    A pain reliever may be recommended first for the treatment of tension-type headache. These medications work better when taken early after the headache starts and include: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin. […] Mild pain relievers are also available in combination with caffeine, which enhances the medication’s effect; an example is acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. […] Pain relievers should not be used too often because overuse can lead to medication-overuse headaches or chronic daily headaches. […] Preventive treatment—Preventive therapy is recommended for people with tension-type headaches that are frequent, such as those that occur nine or more days each month. […] Antidepressant medicines called tricyclics (TCAs) are often used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] Other medicines such as mirtazapine, topiramate, or gabapentin may also be used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] These medicines are often used in combination with behavioral therapy to prevent tension-type headaches.
  • #17 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Research confirms that NSAIDs and acetaminophen are effective in reducing headache symptoms; however, this research offers limited guidance about which one to choose for individual patients. […] In patients with chronic tension-type headache, the treatment goals are to initiate effective prophylactic treatment and to manage any residual headaches in a manner that prevents the frequent use of analgesics and the risk for progression to chronic daily headache syndrome. […] Patients with chronic tension-type headache should limit their use of analgesics to two times weekly to prevent the development of chronic daily headache. […] A wide variety of prophylactic agents have been researched in the management of chronic tension-type headache, and comprehensive reviews are available for interested readers.
  • #18 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    Tension Headache Treatment […] Its best to treat tension headaches soon after they begin when the symptoms are still mild. The goal is to ease your pain and keep them from happening again. […] Tension headache medications […] Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are often the first treatments for tension headaches. People with the chronic kind can use some of these drugs to prevent headaches. But if you take them a lot, they can lead to whats called a medication overuse or rebound headache. […] Common OTC treatments include: […] – Acetaminophen […] – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen […] If OTC pain relievers don’t help, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine such as: […] – Indomethacin (Indocin, Indochron E-R) […] – Ketoprofen
  • #19 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Ketorolac (Toradol) […] – Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn) […] If you have both migraine and tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe triptans to ease pain. […] They could also suggest a muscle relaxer such as: […] – Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid) […] – Methocarbamol (Robaxin) […] Some other kinds of drugs can keep you from getting a tension headache. You take them every day, even if you arent in pain, so you end up using less medication over time. Your doctor may prescribe: […] – Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and protriptyline […] – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor) […] – Anti-seizure drugs such as topiramate (Topamax) […] Keep in mind that medications don’t cure tension headaches and that, over time, pain relievers and other medicines might not help as much as they did at first. Plus, all medicines have side effects. If you take one regularly, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. You’ll still need to identify and deal with the things that are causing your headaches.
  • #20 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #21 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Ketorolac (Toradol) […] – Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn) […] If you have both migraine and tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe triptans to ease pain. […] They could also suggest a muscle relaxer such as: […] – Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid) […] – Methocarbamol (Robaxin) […] Some other kinds of drugs can keep you from getting a tension headache. You take them every day, even if you arent in pain, so you end up using less medication over time. Your doctor may prescribe: […] – Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and protriptyline […] – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor) […] – Anti-seizure drugs such as topiramate (Topamax) […] Keep in mind that medications don’t cure tension headaches and that, over time, pain relievers and other medicines might not help as much as they did at first. Plus, all medicines have side effects. If you take one regularly, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. You’ll still need to identify and deal with the things that are causing your headaches.
  • #22 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #23 Chronic Tension Headache: Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/brain-nerves/headache-leaflet/chronic-tension-headache
    There is some evidence that acupuncture, particularly when combined with medical therapy, can be helpful in the treatment of chronic daily headaches. […] CBT can be a helpful add-on in the treatment of chronic daily headache. Behavioural therapies work towards reducing or eliminating the stress which may contribute to the development of chronic tension headaches. […] The aims of preventative treatment are to reduce the number of headaches, or reduce their severity, or both. So, with treatment, the headaches may not go completely, but they will often develop less often and be less severe.
  • #24 Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/headache-treatment-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    A pain reliever may be recommended first for the treatment of tension-type headache. These medications work better when taken early after the headache starts and include: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin. […] Mild pain relievers are also available in combination with caffeine, which enhances the medication’s effect; an example is acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. […] Pain relievers should not be used too often because overuse can lead to medication-overuse headaches or chronic daily headaches. […] Preventive treatment—Preventive therapy is recommended for people with tension-type headaches that are frequent, such as those that occur nine or more days each month. […] Antidepressant medicines called tricyclics (TCAs) are often used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] Other medicines such as mirtazapine, topiramate, or gabapentin may also be used to help prevent frequent tension headaches. […] These medicines are often used in combination with behavioral therapy to prevent tension-type headaches.
  • #25 Tension-type headache – Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/tension-type-headache/
    Tension-type headaches are treated with NSAIDs, while chronic and frequent episodic forms may benefit from prophylactic amitriptyline. Nonpharmacological treatment options include lifestyle modification (e.g., stress reduction) and cognitive behavioral therapy. […] Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies can be used for the treatment of tension-type headache. In addition, any underlying conditions (e.g., depression) should be identified and treated. […] Pharmacological therapy: Episodic tension-type headache: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin) or acetaminophen. Chronic tension-type headache; and frequent episodic type: consider prophylactic therapy (e.g., with amitriptyline). […] Non-pharmacological therapy: Consider if there is a significant decrease in patient’s quality of life. Lifestyle and behavioral modification (e.g., exercise, weight reduction). Psychobehavioral treatments (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training).
  • #26 Tension-type headache – Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/tension-type-headache/
    Avoid prolonged use (15 days/month) of NSAIDs for chronic tension headache, as this may cause medication overuse headaches. […] Opioids are not recommended for tension-type headaches and increase the risk of developing medication overuse headache. […] First-line: amitriptyline. […] Additional nonpharmacological therapies include: Biofeedback, Relaxation training (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation), Cognitive behavioral therapy, Physical therapy (including posture training, massage, spinal manipulation), Acupuncture.
  • #27 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #28 Chronic Tension Headache: Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/brain-nerves/headache-leaflet/chronic-tension-headache
    Chronic tension headache is a condition where you have a tension headache on at least 15 days every month for at least three months. A medicine called amitriptyline may help to prevent the headaches from occurring. […] Painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen can be useful to treat tension headaches when they occur. Importantly though, they shouldn’t be taken for headaches for more than a couple of days at a time, and, on average, do not take them for more than two days in any week for headaches. […] Amitriptyline is the medicine most commonly used to treat chronic tension headaches. This medicine is not a painkiller and so does not take away a headache if a headache develops. It needs to be taken every day to reduce how often headaches occur. […] Physiotherapy may help chronic tension headaches through teaching relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
  • #29 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Amitriptyline (Elavil) is the most researched of the prophylactic agents for chronic tension-type headache. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) cause fewer side effects, and several of these agents have shown their efficacy in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache in small studies. […] The most frequently used nonmedication treatments for headache are biofeedback, relaxation training, self-hypnosis, and cognitive therapy. […] A recent systematic review of acupuncture treatment for headache found 40 randomized controlled studies, but only one study was categorized as rigorous. […] Studies have also been conducted investigating the role of spinal manipulation for headache relief. […] The use of traditional physical therapy for headache has been investigated in a randomized controlled trial.
  • #30 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    There are conflicting results regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of TTH. […] Simple analgesics are the mainstays in the acute therapy of TTH. […] Prophylactic pharmacotherapy should be considered in patients with headaches on more than 15 days per month; that is, in patients with chronic TTH. […] The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is the only drug that has proven to be effective in several controlled trials in TTH. […] In general, the initial approach to prophylactic pharmacotherapy of chronic TTH is through the use of amitriptyline. Concomitant use of daily analgesics should be avoided. […] More efficient prophylactic drugs with fewer side effects are urgently needed for the preventive treatment of TTH. […] As neither nonpharmacological nor pharmacological management is highly efficient it is usually recommended to combine multiple strategies, although proper evidence is lacking.
  • #31 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Amitriptyline (Elavil) is the most researched of the prophylactic agents for chronic tension-type headache. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) cause fewer side effects, and several of these agents have shown their efficacy in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache in small studies. […] The most frequently used nonmedication treatments for headache are biofeedback, relaxation training, self-hypnosis, and cognitive therapy. […] A recent systematic review of acupuncture treatment for headache found 40 randomized controlled studies, but only one study was categorized as rigorous. […] Studies have also been conducted investigating the role of spinal manipulation for headache relief. […] The use of traditional physical therapy for headache has been investigated in a randomized controlled trial.
  • #32 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #33 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #34 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Relief, and Treatment Options
    https://headacheaustralia.org.au/tension-headache/
    Given that stress is one of the most common triggers for tension headache, stress management techniques are often recommended as a preventive treatment. […] Biofeedback training. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to control certain body responses to manage pain and stress. Studies have shown that biofeedback is the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for tension headache. […] Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological treatment that helps you identify situations that make you anxious or stressed, and gives you the tools to better manage that stress. […] Your doctor might also prescribe you a preventive medication. There are no medications developed specifically to prevent tension headache, however studies have shown that amitriptyline can be quite effective. Other tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used if you have an adverse reaction to amitriptyline. Mirtazepine and maybe venlafaxine can be effective. […] In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also recommended to prevent tension headache. […] Taking care of your overall health can reduce stress and other major headache triggers.
  • #35 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #36 Tension Headache: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8257-tension-headaches
    Tension headaches are the most common headache type. […] There are home treatments for tension headaches, and healthcare providers may prescribe medication and other therapies that will ease tension headache pain and pressure. […] Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent a tension headache. And if home treatment doesn’t work, healthcare providers may have medications and other therapies to ease tension headache pressure. […] If you have chronic tension headaches, your provider may prescribe: Antiseizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) or topiramate (Topamax, Topiragen). […] Antidepressants like amitriptyline that relieve pain. […] Alternative therapies like biofeedback, meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage stress. […] Physical therapy for sleep apnea or TMJ.
  • #37 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    For people who experience both migraines and episodic tension-type headaches, a triptan can effectively relieve the pain of both headaches. […] Your health care professional may prescribe medicines that help you have fewer headaches or headaches that are less painful. Preventive medicines may help if you have regular headaches that aren’t relieved by pain medicine and other therapies. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly used medicines to prevent tension-type headaches. They include amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline. […] The antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) also can help prevent tension-type headaches. […] The anti-seizure medicines gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax, Qsymia, others) may help prevent headache pain.
  • #38 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Ketorolac (Toradol) […] – Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn) […] If you have both migraine and tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe triptans to ease pain. […] They could also suggest a muscle relaxer such as: […] – Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid) […] – Methocarbamol (Robaxin) […] Some other kinds of drugs can keep you from getting a tension headache. You take them every day, even if you arent in pain, so you end up using less medication over time. Your doctor may prescribe: […] – Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and protriptyline […] – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor) […] – Anti-seizure drugs such as topiramate (Topamax) […] Keep in mind that medications don’t cure tension headaches and that, over time, pain relievers and other medicines might not help as much as they did at first. Plus, all medicines have side effects. If you take one regularly, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. You’ll still need to identify and deal with the things that are causing your headaches.
  • #39 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Ketorolac (Toradol) […] – Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn) […] If you have both migraine and tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe triptans to ease pain. […] They could also suggest a muscle relaxer such as: […] – Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid) […] – Methocarbamol (Robaxin) […] Some other kinds of drugs can keep you from getting a tension headache. You take them every day, even if you arent in pain, so you end up using less medication over time. Your doctor may prescribe: […] – Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and protriptyline […] – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor) […] – Anti-seizure drugs such as topiramate (Topamax) […] Keep in mind that medications don’t cure tension headaches and that, over time, pain relievers and other medicines might not help as much as they did at first. Plus, all medicines have side effects. If you take one regularly, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. You’ll still need to identify and deal with the things that are causing your headaches.
  • #40 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Ketorolac (Toradol) […] – Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn) […] If you have both migraine and tension headaches, your doctor may prescribe triptans to ease pain. […] They could also suggest a muscle relaxer such as: […] – Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid) […] – Methocarbamol (Robaxin) […] Some other kinds of drugs can keep you from getting a tension headache. You take them every day, even if you arent in pain, so you end up using less medication over time. Your doctor may prescribe: […] – Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and protriptyline […] – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), or venlafaxine (Effexor) […] – Anti-seizure drugs such as topiramate (Topamax) […] Keep in mind that medications don’t cure tension headaches and that, over time, pain relievers and other medicines might not help as much as they did at first. Plus, all medicines have side effects. If you take one regularly, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. You’ll still need to identify and deal with the things that are causing your headaches.
  • #41 Best Medications for Tension Headache Relief – BuzzRx
    https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/best-medications-for-tension-headache-relief
    Muscle relaxants like baclofen and tizanidine may relieve muscle tension and prevent tension headaches. […] The fastest way to relieve tension headache symptoms is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen; a combination medication that contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine; or a prescription headache medication such as a triptan if you have mixed symptoms of migraine and tension headaches. […] Both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can provide relief from tension headaches. […] Many people find that a combination medication such as Excedrin works better for tension headaches. […] The best painkiller for tension headaches is the one that works for you and causes minimal side effects. […] Some of the non-drug, natural treatments for tension headaches include: Rest, Ice packs, A long, hot shower, Application of heat or ice to sore muscles.
  • #42 Best Medications for Tension Headache Relief – BuzzRx
    https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/best-medications-for-tension-headache-relief
    These are migraine medications that may benefit people with severe headaches caused by both migraine and tension-type headaches. […] Medications can be prescribed to people with frequent tension-type headaches to help prevent tension headaches. […] Your doctor may prescribe tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and protriptyline (Vivactil) or other antidepressants such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) to prevent chronic tension-type headache. […] For those with severe, chronic tension headaches, a beta blocker such as propranolol may be prescribed in combination with one of the tricyclic antidepressants to prevent the severity and frequency of tension-type headaches. […] Anticonvulsant medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax) are sometimes prescribed to prevent tension-type headaches.
  • #43 Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353982
    It can take several weeks or more for preventive medicines to build up in your system and take effect. […] Your health care professional monitors your treatment to see how the preventive medicine is working. In the meantime, overusing pain relievers may interfere with the effects of the preventive medicines. Ask your health care professional about how often to use pain relievers while you’re taking preventive medicine.
  • #44 Drug therapy in the management of tension headache – GPnotebook
    https://gpnotebook.com/pages/neurology/management/drug-therapy-in-the-management-of-tension-headache
    The drug treatment of frequent episodic/chronic tension-type headaches (TTH) is aimed at long-term remission: prophylaxis treatment: tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline is the drug of choice for frequently recurring episodic TTH or for chronic TTH (2). […] A significant effect can be expected in 25-50% of patients. […] A trial without medication may be attempted if symptoms improve for 6 months. […] After 6 months of clinical improvement withdrawal may be attempted (2). […] Despite best treatment efforts chronic tension type headaches is often refractory in some patients and will require pain management programs e.g – cognitive therapies, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (1,2). […] Acute treatment: consider aspirin, paracetamol or an NSAID for the acute treatment of tension type headache, taking into account the person’s preference, comorbidities and risk of adverse events. […] Do not offer opioids for the acute treatment of tension-type headache. […] Prophylactic treatment: consider a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture over 5-8 weeks for the prophylactic treatment of chronic tension-type headache.
  • #45 Tension Headache Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Alternative Medicine
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-treatment
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Regular exercise, stretching, balanced meals, and adequate sleep may be part of a headache treatment program. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, and biofeedback, as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients. […] Relaxation techniques such as meditation are effective for chronic headaches as measured by headache parameters. Patients with chronic headaches have been showed to have low levels of cortisol that normalized with the practice of meditation over time.
  • #46 Tension headache Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/tension-headache
    The goal is to treat your headache symptoms right away and to prevent headaches by avoiding or changing your triggers. A key step in doing this involves learning to manage your tension headaches at home by: […] Many people can treat their tension headaches with conservative therapy, such as relaxation or stress-management training, including: […] When needed, medicines that may relieve a tension headache include: […] If these medicines do not help, talk to your provider about prescription medicines. […] Tension headaches often respond well to treatment. But if the headaches are long-term (chronic), they can interfere with life and work. […] Learn and practice stress management. Some people find relaxation exercises or meditation helpful. Biofeedback may help you improve the effect of doing relaxation exercises, and may be helpful for long-term (chronic) tension headache.
  • #47 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    It should be explained to the patient that frequent TTH can only seldom can cured, but that a meaningful improvement can be obtained with a combination of nondrug and drug treatments. These treatments are described separately in the following but should go hand in hand. […] A large number of psychological treatment strategies have been used to treat TTH. Three strategies have reached reasonable scientific support for effectiveness and will be described. […] Meta-analyses have concluded that the treatments described above reduce headache by 37-50% with no significant difference among treatments. […] Physical therapy is the most used nonpharmacological treatment of TTH and includes the improvement of posture, relaxation, exercise programs, hot and cold packs, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, but the majority of these modalities have not been properly evaluated.
  • #48 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    Supplements […] Some studies have found that certain dietary supplements are effective against migraine headaches. They may also help prevent tension headaches. These supplements include: […] – Butterbur […] – Feverfew […] – Riboflavin […] – Coenzyme Q10 […] Talk with your doctor before starting any supplements. […] Tension Headache Relief […] The most effective way to deal with tension headaches is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Try these treatments to make your tension headaches less severe or less frequent. […] Find ways to relax and manage stress such as: […] – Biofeedback: This is where you control some of your body’s functions, such as relaxing your muscles, to ease pain. […] – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It’s a psychological treatment using thought- and action-based methods to treat diseases. Studies show that CBT for headaches can ease the symptoms of tension headaches.
  • #49 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Acupuncture: Placing needles in various pressure points on your head and neck releases endorphins and other hormones, stimulating your circulatory system and easing headache pain. […] – Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help with repeated headaches in two ways. First, physical therapists can pinpoint the source of your headache pain. And, if your headaches are linked to mechanical issues, they can create a treatment plan that includes movements to help improve them. […] – Deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help you feel more relaxed and ease headaches. You can practice it for 5-10 minutes, two or three times a day. […] – Meditation: Meditation, or a conscious state of relaxation, could improve headache symptoms by easing stress and boosting blood circulation to your head.
  • #50 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Relief, and Treatment Options
    https://headacheaustralia.org.au/tension-headache/
    Given that stress is one of the most common triggers for tension headache, stress management techniques are often recommended as a preventive treatment. […] Biofeedback training. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to control certain body responses to manage pain and stress. Studies have shown that biofeedback is the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for tension headache. […] Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological treatment that helps you identify situations that make you anxious or stressed, and gives you the tools to better manage that stress. […] Your doctor might also prescribe you a preventive medication. There are no medications developed specifically to prevent tension headache, however studies have shown that amitriptyline can be quite effective. Other tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used if you have an adverse reaction to amitriptyline. Mirtazepine and maybe venlafaxine can be effective. […] In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also recommended to prevent tension headache. […] Taking care of your overall health can reduce stress and other major headache triggers.
  • #51 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Amitriptyline (Elavil) is the most researched of the prophylactic agents for chronic tension-type headache. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) cause fewer side effects, and several of these agents have shown their efficacy in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache in small studies. […] The most frequently used nonmedication treatments for headache are biofeedback, relaxation training, self-hypnosis, and cognitive therapy. […] A recent systematic review of acupuncture treatment for headache found 40 randomized controlled studies, but only one study was categorized as rigorous. […] Studies have also been conducted investigating the role of spinal manipulation for headache relief. […] The use of traditional physical therapy for headache has been investigated in a randomized controlled trial.
  • #52 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Relief, and Treatment Options
    https://headacheaustralia.org.au/tension-headache/
    Given that stress is one of the most common triggers for tension headache, stress management techniques are often recommended as a preventive treatment. […] Biofeedback training. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to control certain body responses to manage pain and stress. Studies have shown that biofeedback is the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for tension headache. […] Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological treatment that helps you identify situations that make you anxious or stressed, and gives you the tools to better manage that stress. […] Your doctor might also prescribe you a preventive medication. There are no medications developed specifically to prevent tension headache, however studies have shown that amitriptyline can be quite effective. Other tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used if you have an adverse reaction to amitriptyline. Mirtazepine and maybe venlafaxine can be effective. […] In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also recommended to prevent tension headache. […] Taking care of your overall health can reduce stress and other major headache triggers.
  • #53 Tension headache Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/tension-headache
    Regular massage may help relieve stress and pain in people with chronic tension headaches, according to one preliminary study. […] Studies indicate that homeopathy may be no more effective than placebo in relieving tension headaches. […] You can do many things to avoid tension headaches or relieve the pain: Biofeedback to control muscle tension, Learn to meditate, breathe deeply, or try other relaxation exercises, such as yoga or hypnotherapy. […] More than 90% of people with tension headaches can get significant relief from a combination of lifestyle changes, relaxation, and medication.
  • #54 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Acupuncture: Placing needles in various pressure points on your head and neck releases endorphins and other hormones, stimulating your circulatory system and easing headache pain. […] – Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help with repeated headaches in two ways. First, physical therapists can pinpoint the source of your headache pain. And, if your headaches are linked to mechanical issues, they can create a treatment plan that includes movements to help improve them. […] – Deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help you feel more relaxed and ease headaches. You can practice it for 5-10 minutes, two or three times a day. […] – Meditation: Meditation, or a conscious state of relaxation, could improve headache symptoms by easing stress and boosting blood circulation to your head.
  • #55 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    It should be explained to the patient that frequent TTH can only seldom can cured, but that a meaningful improvement can be obtained with a combination of nondrug and drug treatments. These treatments are described separately in the following but should go hand in hand. […] A large number of psychological treatment strategies have been used to treat TTH. Three strategies have reached reasonable scientific support for effectiveness and will be described. […] Meta-analyses have concluded that the treatments described above reduce headache by 37-50% with no significant difference among treatments. […] Physical therapy is the most used nonpharmacological treatment of TTH and includes the improvement of posture, relaxation, exercise programs, hot and cold packs, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, but the majority of these modalities have not been properly evaluated.
  • #56 Tension Headache Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Alternative Medicine
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-treatment
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Regular exercise, stretching, balanced meals, and adequate sleep may be part of a headache treatment program. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, and biofeedback, as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients. […] Relaxation techniques such as meditation are effective for chronic headaches as measured by headache parameters. Patients with chronic headaches have been showed to have low levels of cortisol that normalized with the practice of meditation over time.
  • #57 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Acupuncture: Placing needles in various pressure points on your head and neck releases endorphins and other hormones, stimulating your circulatory system and easing headache pain. […] – Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help with repeated headaches in two ways. First, physical therapists can pinpoint the source of your headache pain. And, if your headaches are linked to mechanical issues, they can create a treatment plan that includes movements to help improve them. […] – Deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help you feel more relaxed and ease headaches. You can practice it for 5-10 minutes, two or three times a day. […] – Meditation: Meditation, or a conscious state of relaxation, could improve headache symptoms by easing stress and boosting blood circulation to your head.
  • #58 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Yoga: Different yoga postures and breathing techniques could ease tension headaches by improving blood circulation and lowering anxiety. […] Lifestyle changes may also help. Consider these: […] – Limit stress: Try to plan. Get and stay organized. Things that help you relax, such as massage or meditation, can also help. […] – Try to pace yourself: Take breaks. Set aside time to do things you enjoy. For some people, mindfulness staying in the here and now instead of following thoughts of worry and fear can help. […] – Build your support system: Spend time with people you love. You may also want to book some sessions with a therapist to find solutions and manage any anxiety or depression you may have. […] – Exercise regularly: At least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is ideal. It eases stress and keeps you fit. It also helps to stretch. Pay close attention to your jaw, neck, and shoulders. These are areas where we tend to hold a lot of tension.
  • #59 18 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally
    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/headache-remedies
    Headaches are a common condition that many people deal with on a daily basis. […] Several types of headaches exist, with tension headaches being the most common. […] Although many medications can be used to treat headache symptoms, a number of effective natural treatments also exist. […] Keep reading for 18 effective home remedies to naturally get rid of headaches. […] Alcohol intake is also a risk factor for tension headaches and for cluster headaches, which are among the most severe types of headaches. […] Sleep apnea, a health condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and then starts again during sleep, is associated with morning headaches, while insomnia is linked to increased headache severity in those with tension headaches. […] Additionally, a 2020 review that included six studies found that yoga helped improve headache frequency, duration, and intensity in patients with tension-type headaches.
  • #60 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    Supplements […] Some studies have found that certain dietary supplements are effective against migraine headaches. They may also help prevent tension headaches. These supplements include: […] – Butterbur […] – Feverfew […] – Riboflavin […] – Coenzyme Q10 […] Talk with your doctor before starting any supplements. […] Tension Headache Relief […] The most effective way to deal with tension headaches is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Try these treatments to make your tension headaches less severe or less frequent. […] Find ways to relax and manage stress such as: […] – Biofeedback: This is where you control some of your body’s functions, such as relaxing your muscles, to ease pain. […] – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It’s a psychological treatment using thought- and action-based methods to treat diseases. Studies show that CBT for headaches can ease the symptoms of tension headaches.
  • #61 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Relief, and Treatment Options
    https://headacheaustralia.org.au/tension-headache/
    Given that stress is one of the most common triggers for tension headache, stress management techniques are often recommended as a preventive treatment. […] Biofeedback training. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to control certain body responses to manage pain and stress. Studies have shown that biofeedback is the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for tension headache. […] Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological treatment that helps you identify situations that make you anxious or stressed, and gives you the tools to better manage that stress. […] Your doctor might also prescribe you a preventive medication. There are no medications developed specifically to prevent tension headache, however studies have shown that amitriptyline can be quite effective. Other tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used if you have an adverse reaction to amitriptyline. Mirtazepine and maybe venlafaxine can be effective. […] In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also recommended to prevent tension headache. […] Taking care of your overall health can reduce stress and other major headache triggers.
  • #62 Headache: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches
    Treatment for headaches depends on the type. […] One of the most crucial aspects of treating primary headaches is figuring out your triggers. Learning what those are typically by keeping a headache log can reduce the number of headaches you have. […] Once you know your triggers, your healthcare provider can tailor treatment to you. For example, you may get headaches when you’re tense or worried. Counseling and stress management techniques can help you handle this trigger better. By lowering your stress level, you can avoid stress-induced headaches. […] Not every headache requires medication. A range of treatments is available. Depending on your headache type, frequency and cause, treatment options include: Stress management, Biofeedback, Medications, Treating the underlying medical condition/cause.
  • #63 Tension Headache Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Alternative Medicine
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-treatment
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Regular exercise, stretching, balanced meals, and adequate sleep may be part of a headache treatment program. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, and biofeedback, as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients. […] Relaxation techniques such as meditation are effective for chronic headaches as measured by headache parameters. Patients with chronic headaches have been showed to have low levels of cortisol that normalized with the practice of meditation over time.
  • #64 Tension Headache Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Alternative Medicine
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-treatment
    Acupuncture may be helpful for patients experiencing frequent or chronic TTH. A review of eleven studies involving 2,317 patients found evidence to support acupuncture as a valuable, nonpharmacologic tool for episodic or chronic TTH. […] According to several studies, massage may also be an effective therapy for individuals suffering from TTH. Massage can relieve tight muscles in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders, which may in turn relieve headache pain. […] A combination of therapy with stress re-education and biofeedback may be best for patients.
  • #65 Physical Therapy in Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
    https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/5/4466
    (1) Objective: The aim of this study is to synthesize the effects of physical therapy on pain, frequency, or duration management in the short, medium, and long term in adult patients diagnosed with Tension-type headache (TTH). […] (5) Conclusions: This systematic review shows that there is no standardized physical therapy protocol for the approach to tension headache, although all the techniques studied to date address in one way or another the cranio-cervical-mandibular region. The approach to the cranio-cervical-mandibular region reports significant effects in terms of decreasing the intensity of pain and frequency of headache episodes in the short and medium term. More long-term longitudinal studies are needed. […] Among the therapeutic approaches for TTH is Physiotherapy, since it can help reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, improving mobility and functionality, which will result in an improvement in the quality of life of these patients.
  • #66 Tension-type headaches: Self-care measures for relief
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20047631
    Headaches can interfere with daily life. But healthy lifestyle choices can help you head off the pain. Start with diet, exercise and relaxation. […] Medicines may relieve the pain. But simply taking good care of yourself may help prevent a headache. […] A healthy lifestyle can promote good overall health. It also may help prevent all types of headaches, including tension-type headaches. […] Exercise releases chemicals in the body that block pain signals to the brain. […] Seeing a health care provider and getting treatment for sleep apnea can ease its symptoms. […] Be mindful of common pain medicines. You can buy pain medicine at the store. But using this medicine more than nine days a month can make headaches harder to treat. If this is the case, see a health care provider. […] Massage also can relieve muscle tension and sometimes headache pain.
  • #67 Tension headache Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/tension-headache
    Prescription analgesics — may be needed if your headaches don’t respond to OTC medications. […] In some cases, your physician may recommend botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections to relieve tension headaches. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are helpful in preventing all kinds of headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — another type of antidepressant that may not work as well as tricyclics in preventing headaches, but tend to have fewer side effects. […] Anticonvulsants — Some anti-seizure drugs help prevent migraines and tension headaches, although researchers aren’t sure why. […] Scientific studies investigating the use of acupuncture to treat tension headaches have found mixed results. […] Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulation therapy may help treat tension headaches, especially ones that start in the neck.
  • #68 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Acupuncture: Placing needles in various pressure points on your head and neck releases endorphins and other hormones, stimulating your circulatory system and easing headache pain. […] – Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help with repeated headaches in two ways. First, physical therapists can pinpoint the source of your headache pain. And, if your headaches are linked to mechanical issues, they can create a treatment plan that includes movements to help improve them. […] – Deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help you feel more relaxed and ease headaches. You can practice it for 5-10 minutes, two or three times a day. […] – Meditation: Meditation, or a conscious state of relaxation, could improve headache symptoms by easing stress and boosting blood circulation to your head.
  • #69 Tension-type headache, its relation to stress, and how to relieve it by cryotherapy among academic students | Middle East Current Psychiatry | Full Text
    https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-020-00030-3
    Tension-type headache and stress are common students problems suffering. […] Alternative and complementary medicine, as cryotherapy, is effective for relieving physical and psychological pain; using ice compresses by placing it at the back of the neck, leads to relief of tension and anxiety, and gives feeling of relaxation and full of energy for doing daily life activities. […] This study aimed to assess tension-type headache, its relation to stress, and how to relieve it by cryotherapy, among academic students. […] After applying cryotherapy (ice compresses) in relieving TTH, students feel analgesia, relaxation, increased effort, and alertness, added to that decreased mental tension and recurrence of headache to a minimum level. […] Cryotherapy is defined as the therapeutic application of any substance to the body that removes heat from the body, resulting in decreased tissue temperature.
  • #70 5 Common Treatments for Tension Headaches and How Physical Therapy Can Help — Wildflower Physical Therapy & Wellness
    https://www.wildflowerptandwellness.com/blog/5-common-treatments-for-tension-headaches-and-how-physical-therapy-can-help
    Exercise: getting in more frequent movement throughout the day as well as initiating a regular exercise routine with the help of a physical therapist can help to reduce the effects of tension headaches. […] Stress management: stress is something that affects us all at some point, but it can certainly wreak havoc on our bodies over time if it is poorly managed. […] Improving sleep: sleep is incredibly important and leads to a whole host of health benefits. […] While tension headaches are incredibly common, they are not normal and can potentially be helped through physical therapy! […] If you or someone you know may be struggling with tension headaches, schedule a physical therapy appointment with us today!
  • #71 Tension headache treatments – myDr.com.au
    https://mydr.com.au/first-aid-self-care/tension-headache-treatments/
    Physiotherapists can provide massage and heat treatments as well as advice on posture correction. […] There is some evidence that acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of tension headaches. […] Tai chi may be helpful in treating tension headaches. […] There are some simple things you can do to help prevent tension headaches, including: making sure you drink plenty of fluids; eating regular meals; getting adequate sleep; reducing your caffeine intake; and getting regular exercise.
  • #72 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Get enough sleep: When youre well-rested, dealing with daily stress is much easier. […] – Improve your posture: A strong stance can help keep your muscles from tensing. When you stand, hold your shoulders back and your head level. Tighten your belly and buttocks. When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your head and neck dont slump forward. […] – Drink lots of water: Youre more likely to get a tension head if you’re dehydrated. Drink several glasses of fresh water each day, even if youre not thirsty. It also helps to eat foods naturally rich in water, such as most fruits and vegetables. […] – Eat regular, balanced meals: Skipping a meal can cause a throbbing headache. Try to eat at the same time every day. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • #73 Dealing With Tension Headaches? Physical Therapy Can Help.
    https://reboundrehab.com/dealing-with-tension-headaches-physical-therapy-can-help/
    Physical therapy can ease your headache symptoms by treating their underlying causes, giving you a safer, more sustainable headache management strategy at Rebound Rehabilitation. […] While pain-relieving drugs such as NSAIDs (Aleve, Tylenol, ibuprofen) can relieve the occasional headache, what they can’t do is address the stresses that lead to chronic headache problems. For that level of relief, you need to see a physical therapist. […] Your physical therapy treatment program may include: chiropractic adjustments to correct cervical spinal alignment, ergonomic adjustments such as changing your computer monitor height (to prevent constant neck droop), mindfulness exercises such as yoga to help you add more serenity to your daily life, suggestions for changing or sleep position or trying a different kind of pillow, dry needling to ease stress-induced tension and pain, massage therapy to relax tight neck muscles, exercises to limber up your neck or strengthen your neck muscles. […] Besides the treatment you will receive during your physical therapy sessions at the clinic, your therapist will also recommend exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes that you can make at home, which will all contribute to eliminating your headaches.
  • #74 Tension Headache Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Alternative Medicine
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-treatment
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Regular exercise, stretching, balanced meals, and adequate sleep may be part of a headache treatment program. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, and biofeedback, as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients. […] Relaxation techniques such as meditation are effective for chronic headaches as measured by headache parameters. Patients with chronic headaches have been showed to have low levels of cortisol that normalized with the practice of meditation over time.
  • #75 Tension Headache: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-overview
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, biofeedback as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients.
  • #76 Tension Headache Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Alternative Medicine
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-treatment
    Acupuncture may be helpful for patients experiencing frequent or chronic TTH. A review of eleven studies involving 2,317 patients found evidence to support acupuncture as a valuable, nonpharmacologic tool for episodic or chronic TTH. […] According to several studies, massage may also be an effective therapy for individuals suffering from TTH. Massage can relieve tight muscles in the back of the head, neck, and shoulders, which may in turn relieve headache pain. […] A combination of therapy with stress re-education and biofeedback may be best for patients.
  • #77 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Amitriptyline (Elavil) is the most researched of the prophylactic agents for chronic tension-type headache. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) cause fewer side effects, and several of these agents have shown their efficacy in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache in small studies. […] The most frequently used nonmedication treatments for headache are biofeedback, relaxation training, self-hypnosis, and cognitive therapy. […] A recent systematic review of acupuncture treatment for headache found 40 randomized controlled studies, but only one study was categorized as rigorous. […] Studies have also been conducted investigating the role of spinal manipulation for headache relief. […] The use of traditional physical therapy for headache has been investigated in a randomized controlled trial.
  • #78 Chronic Tension Headache: Causes and Treatment
    https://patient.info/brain-nerves/headache-leaflet/chronic-tension-headache
    There is some evidence that acupuncture, particularly when combined with medical therapy, can be helpful in the treatment of chronic daily headaches. […] CBT can be a helpful add-on in the treatment of chronic daily headache. Behavioural therapies work towards reducing or eliminating the stress which may contribute to the development of chronic tension headaches. […] The aims of preventative treatment are to reduce the number of headaches, or reduce their severity, or both. So, with treatment, the headaches may not go completely, but they will often develop less often and be less severe.
  • #79 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    There are conflicting results regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of TTH. […] Simple analgesics are the mainstays in the acute therapy of TTH. […] Prophylactic pharmacotherapy should be considered in patients with headaches on more than 15 days per month; that is, in patients with chronic TTH. […] The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is the only drug that has proven to be effective in several controlled trials in TTH. […] In general, the initial approach to prophylactic pharmacotherapy of chronic TTH is through the use of amitriptyline. Concomitant use of daily analgesics should be avoided. […] More efficient prophylactic drugs with fewer side effects are urgently needed for the preventive treatment of TTH. […] As neither nonpharmacological nor pharmacological management is highly efficient it is usually recommended to combine multiple strategies, although proper evidence is lacking.
  • #80 Treatments for tension‑type headache | Information for the public | Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150/ifp/chapter/treatments-for-tensiontype-headache
    Your healthcare professional should offer you a painkiller, which may be aspirin, paracetamol or an NSAID, to help relieve tensiontype headache. […] If you have tensiontype headaches on 15 days per month or more you may be offered a course of up to 10 sessions of acupuncture to help prevent future tensiontype headache.
  • #81 4 ways to tame tension headaches – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/4-ways-to-tame-tension-headaches
    If you are prone to tension headaches, here are four strategies that can show you how to get rid of a headache: […] Physical and psychological relaxation therapies can help stave off tension headaches, so long as you practice these techniques regularly. […] This relaxation technique requires special training but can help people avoid recurrent tension headaches. […] Some people with tension headaches have very sensitive areas, known as trigger points, at the back of the neck or in the shoulders. Injecting a local anesthetic into these areas may eliminate the pain and prevent the headache from occurring again. […] There are also a number of medications that can help keep tension headaches at bay. If nondrug therapies aren’t giving you the relief you need, talk with your doctor about the medication options that might be right for you.
  • #82 Tension Headache: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-overview
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, biofeedback as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients.
  • #83 Tension Headache – Houston, TX: Texas Pain And Regenerative Medicine
    https://www.texaspainrm.com/contents/more-conditions-treatments/headaches/tension-headache
    Tension headaches cause mild to moderate pain that can be relieved with a variety of medications and non-medication treatments. […] Many people find relief with over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. These medications are most effective when taken at the earliest sign of headache. Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications, including prescription medication. In some cases, preventative prescription medications can reduce episodes. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, sleep, and relaxation can help as well. […] BOTOX injections, Ultrasound Guided Occipital Block, and Trigger point injection, laser acupuncture, biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy have all been shown to lessen headache severity and improve headache control in both adults and children with tension type headaches.
  • #84 Tension Headache: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/792384-overview
    Various modalities are used in the treatment of tension headaches. These include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, improvement of posture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks, stretching, and relaxation techniques. […] Non-pharmacological treatments for headache include behavioral treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation, biofeedback as well as acupuncture and massage. These treatments are options for patients who prefer non-pharmacological treatments or cannot take medications such as pregnant patients.
  • #85 Tension headache Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/tension-headache
    Prescription analgesics — may be needed if your headaches don’t respond to OTC medications. […] In some cases, your physician may recommend botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections to relieve tension headaches. […] Tricyclic antidepressants are helpful in preventing all kinds of headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. […] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — another type of antidepressant that may not work as well as tricyclics in preventing headaches, but tend to have fewer side effects. […] Anticonvulsants — Some anti-seizure drugs help prevent migraines and tension headaches, although researchers aren’t sure why. […] Scientific studies investigating the use of acupuncture to treat tension headaches have found mixed results. […] Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulation therapy may help treat tension headaches, especially ones that start in the neck.
  • #86 What Is a Chronic Tension Headache?
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-chronic-tension-headache-1719464
    A 2019 meta-analysis of 22 studies published in the journal Pain Practice found mixed results on the use of Botox for tension headache prevention, with most studies showing a reduction in pain scale scores and some evidence for its efficacy in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. […] Behavioral therapies are sometimes used alone or in combination with medication to prevent chronic tension headaches. […] Examples of behavioral therapies include acupuncture, which is an alternative therapy that involves using needles to stimulate specific points on the body believed to connect with certain pathways that carry vital energy throughout the body. […] A 2016 literature review published in the journal Headache reports there is evidence to support acupuncture as an effective treatment for chronic tension-type headaches and other chronic headache conditions.
  • #87 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    Supplements […] Some studies have found that certain dietary supplements are effective against migraine headaches. They may also help prevent tension headaches. These supplements include: […] – Butterbur […] – Feverfew […] – Riboflavin […] – Coenzyme Q10 […] Talk with your doctor before starting any supplements. […] Tension Headache Relief […] The most effective way to deal with tension headaches is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Try these treatments to make your tension headaches less severe or less frequent. […] Find ways to relax and manage stress such as: […] – Biofeedback: This is where you control some of your body’s functions, such as relaxing your muscles, to ease pain. […] – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It’s a psychological treatment using thought- and action-based methods to treat diseases. Studies show that CBT for headaches can ease the symptoms of tension headaches.
  • #88 Tension Headache Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments | UPMC
    https://www.upmc.com/services/neurology/services/headache-center/tension-headache
    The UPMC Headache Center doctors tailor advanced treatments to your symptoms. […] The doctors at UPMC are headache experts and can give you ways to live pain-free. […] To help prevent tension headaches, you should: Drink lots of water. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Reduce stress. Do deep breathing techniques. Limit sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. Don’t smoke. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Don’t skip meals. Stay away from artificial sweeteners and preservatives. […] Your doctor may also suggest supplements to prevent tension headaches, such as: Magnesium. Riboflavin. Vitamin D. Coenzyme Q10. […] Things you can do to prevent or ease a tension headache include: Rest. Meditation. Mental health therapy. Slow, deep breathing. Hot shower. Apply moist heat behind your neck. Physical therapy. Massage. Light exercise. Ice packs. Use a low-firm pillow.
  • #89 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Yoga: Different yoga postures and breathing techniques could ease tension headaches by improving blood circulation and lowering anxiety. […] Lifestyle changes may also help. Consider these: […] – Limit stress: Try to plan. Get and stay organized. Things that help you relax, such as massage or meditation, can also help. […] – Try to pace yourself: Take breaks. Set aside time to do things you enjoy. For some people, mindfulness staying in the here and now instead of following thoughts of worry and fear can help. […] – Build your support system: Spend time with people you love. You may also want to book some sessions with a therapist to find solutions and manage any anxiety or depression you may have. […] – Exercise regularly: At least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is ideal. It eases stress and keeps you fit. It also helps to stretch. Pay close attention to your jaw, neck, and shoulders. These are areas where we tend to hold a lot of tension.
  • #90 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Get enough sleep: When youre well-rested, dealing with daily stress is much easier. […] – Improve your posture: A strong stance can help keep your muscles from tensing. When you stand, hold your shoulders back and your head level. Tighten your belly and buttocks. When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your head and neck dont slump forward. […] – Drink lots of water: Youre more likely to get a tension head if you’re dehydrated. Drink several glasses of fresh water each day, even if youre not thirsty. It also helps to eat foods naturally rich in water, such as most fruits and vegetables. […] – Eat regular, balanced meals: Skipping a meal can cause a throbbing headache. Try to eat at the same time every day. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • #91 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Relief, and Treatment Options
    https://headacheaustralia.org.au/tension-headache/
    Given that stress is one of the most common triggers for tension headache, stress management techniques are often recommended as a preventive treatment. […] Biofeedback training. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to control certain body responses to manage pain and stress. Studies have shown that biofeedback is the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for tension headache. […] Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological treatment that helps you identify situations that make you anxious or stressed, and gives you the tools to better manage that stress. […] Your doctor might also prescribe you a preventive medication. There are no medications developed specifically to prevent tension headache, however studies have shown that amitriptyline can be quite effective. Other tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes used if you have an adverse reaction to amitriptyline. Mirtazepine and maybe venlafaxine can be effective. […] In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also recommended to prevent tension headache. […] Taking care of your overall health can reduce stress and other major headache triggers.
  • #92 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Yoga: Different yoga postures and breathing techniques could ease tension headaches by improving blood circulation and lowering anxiety. […] Lifestyle changes may also help. Consider these: […] – Limit stress: Try to plan. Get and stay organized. Things that help you relax, such as massage or meditation, can also help. […] – Try to pace yourself: Take breaks. Set aside time to do things you enjoy. For some people, mindfulness staying in the here and now instead of following thoughts of worry and fear can help. […] – Build your support system: Spend time with people you love. You may also want to book some sessions with a therapist to find solutions and manage any anxiety or depression you may have. […] – Exercise regularly: At least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is ideal. It eases stress and keeps you fit. It also helps to stretch. Pay close attention to your jaw, neck, and shoulders. These are areas where we tend to hold a lot of tension.
  • #93 Tension-type headaches: Self-care measures for relief
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20047631
    Headaches can interfere with daily life. But healthy lifestyle choices can help you head off the pain. Start with diet, exercise and relaxation. […] Medicines may relieve the pain. But simply taking good care of yourself may help prevent a headache. […] A healthy lifestyle can promote good overall health. It also may help prevent all types of headaches, including tension-type headaches. […] Exercise releases chemicals in the body that block pain signals to the brain. […] Seeing a health care provider and getting treatment for sleep apnea can ease its symptoms. […] Be mindful of common pain medicines. You can buy pain medicine at the store. But using this medicine more than nine days a month can make headaches harder to treat. If this is the case, see a health care provider. […] Massage also can relieve muscle tension and sometimes headache pain.
  • #94 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Yoga: Different yoga postures and breathing techniques could ease tension headaches by improving blood circulation and lowering anxiety. […] Lifestyle changes may also help. Consider these: […] – Limit stress: Try to plan. Get and stay organized. Things that help you relax, such as massage or meditation, can also help. […] – Try to pace yourself: Take breaks. Set aside time to do things you enjoy. For some people, mindfulness staying in the here and now instead of following thoughts of worry and fear can help. […] – Build your support system: Spend time with people you love. You may also want to book some sessions with a therapist to find solutions and manage any anxiety or depression you may have. […] – Exercise regularly: At least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is ideal. It eases stress and keeps you fit. It also helps to stretch. Pay close attention to your jaw, neck, and shoulders. These are areas where we tend to hold a lot of tension.
  • #95 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Get enough sleep: When youre well-rested, dealing with daily stress is much easier. […] – Improve your posture: A strong stance can help keep your muscles from tensing. When you stand, hold your shoulders back and your head level. Tighten your belly and buttocks. When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your head and neck dont slump forward. […] – Drink lots of water: Youre more likely to get a tension head if you’re dehydrated. Drink several glasses of fresh water each day, even if youre not thirsty. It also helps to eat foods naturally rich in water, such as most fruits and vegetables. […] – Eat regular, balanced meals: Skipping a meal can cause a throbbing headache. Try to eat at the same time every day. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • #96 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Get enough sleep: When youre well-rested, dealing with daily stress is much easier. […] – Improve your posture: A strong stance can help keep your muscles from tensing. When you stand, hold your shoulders back and your head level. Tighten your belly and buttocks. When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your head and neck dont slump forward. […] – Drink lots of water: Youre more likely to get a tension head if you’re dehydrated. Drink several glasses of fresh water each day, even if youre not thirsty. It also helps to eat foods naturally rich in water, such as most fruits and vegetables. […] – Eat regular, balanced meals: Skipping a meal can cause a throbbing headache. Try to eat at the same time every day. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • #97 Tension headache – causes, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tension-headache
    A tension headache is a feeling of tightness or pressure around your head. […] A tension headache will usually go away with over-the-counter pain medicines, rest, a heat pack or massage. […] You can ease tension headaches by taking over-the-counter pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Tablets containing pain-relief medicine combined with caffeine can work especially well. […] You can also relieve tension headaches by: resting, applying a heat pack, massaging your neck, drinking water, if you haven’t had enough to drink, trying acupuncture or physiotherapy. […] If you get tension headaches frequently, stress management techniques can help reduce how often your headache comes on. You might want to try yoga, meditation, biofeedback training or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Occasionally, your doctor might prescribe you a preventive medicine. […] You can prevent tension headaches by making healthy lifestyle changes: Take time for relaxation and stress management techniques. Drink plenty of water. Get regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Improve your posture.
  • #98 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Get enough sleep: When youre well-rested, dealing with daily stress is much easier. […] – Improve your posture: A strong stance can help keep your muscles from tensing. When you stand, hold your shoulders back and your head level. Tighten your belly and buttocks. When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor, and your head and neck dont slump forward. […] – Drink lots of water: Youre more likely to get a tension head if you’re dehydrated. Drink several glasses of fresh water each day, even if youre not thirsty. It also helps to eat foods naturally rich in water, such as most fruits and vegetables. […] – Eat regular, balanced meals: Skipping a meal can cause a throbbing headache. Try to eat at the same time every day. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  • #99 Tension headache – causes, symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tension-headache
    A tension headache is a feeling of tightness or pressure around your head. […] A tension headache will usually go away with over-the-counter pain medicines, rest, a heat pack or massage. […] You can ease tension headaches by taking over-the-counter pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Tablets containing pain-relief medicine combined with caffeine can work especially well. […] You can also relieve tension headaches by: resting, applying a heat pack, massaging your neck, drinking water, if you haven’t had enough to drink, trying acupuncture or physiotherapy. […] If you get tension headaches frequently, stress management techniques can help reduce how often your headache comes on. You might want to try yoga, meditation, biofeedback training or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Occasionally, your doctor might prescribe you a preventive medicine. […] You can prevent tension headaches by making healthy lifestyle changes: Take time for relaxation and stress management techniques. Drink plenty of water. Get regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Improve your posture.
  • #100 Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/tension-headaches
    – Limit caffeine and alcohol: There is caffeine in many OTC headache medicines, but it can also trigger headaches. Lower your intake of coffee, tea, and energy or soft drinks. […] – Limit how much pain-relieving medication you take: Use the smallest possible dose. Don’t take painkillers more than one or two times a week. […] – Keep your sense of humor: It reduces tension. […] – Use a headache diary: This will help you spot triggers. Itll also help your doctor come up with a treatment plan. When you get a tension headache, note things such as: […] – The date and time […] – Any warning signs or other symptoms […] – The location and intensity of the pain […] – What you were doing at that time […] – Medications youd taken […] – Foods you had eaten
  • #101 Tension Headache Relief and Treatment
    https://www.healthwords.ai/us/explore/treatment/pain/tension-headache-relief
    Routine is key, maintaining similar hours of bedtime and waking, regardless of weekday or weekend, and if you need to catch up, your body much prefers an earlier bedtime to a lie-in in the morning. […] If you think this applies to you, you can buy a simple mouth guard to wear at night, or your dentist can tailor-make one, protecting your teeth, aiding sleep and hopefully preventing headaches. […] Theres evidence that caffeine found in tea, coffee, cola and caffeinated energy drinks may help chase a tension headache away. […] Some find a peppermint tea can help to relax and unwind, but a team of German researchers in 2016 found that peppermint oil rubbed into neck muscles may also help them to relax and alleviate pain. […] You dont usually need to see your doctor for the management of a tension headache. Instead, you can buy medications from your pharmacy. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be very effective either on their own or in combination.
  • #102 Headache: What It Is, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9639-headaches
    Treatment for headaches depends on the type. […] One of the most crucial aspects of treating primary headaches is figuring out your triggers. Learning what those are typically by keeping a headache log can reduce the number of headaches you have. […] Once you know your triggers, your healthcare provider can tailor treatment to you. For example, you may get headaches when you’re tense or worried. Counseling and stress management techniques can help you handle this trigger better. By lowering your stress level, you can avoid stress-induced headaches. […] Not every headache requires medication. A range of treatments is available. Depending on your headache type, frequency and cause, treatment options include: Stress management, Biofeedback, Medications, Treating the underlying medical condition/cause.
  • #103 Tension-type headaches: Self-care measures for relief
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20047631
    Try to practice these breathing exercises or another form of relaxation every day. […] A diary may help you learn what triggers your tension-type headaches. Note when your headaches start and your activities. Also record how long the headaches last and anything that provides relief. The diary may help you spot patterns in your daily habits that may lead to headaches.
  • #104 Managing tension headaches at home: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000421.htm
    Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. […] Follow your health care provider’s instructions about how to take your medicines. Rebound headaches are headaches that keep coming back. They can occur from overuse of pain medicine. If you take pain medicine more than 3 days a week on a regular basis, you can develop rebound headaches. […] Be aware that aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can irritate your stomach. If you take acetaminophen (Tylenol), do not take more than a total of 4,000 mg (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day to avoid liver damage. Taking acetaminophen with alcohol (3 or more drinks a day) also increases the risk of liver damage. […] Knowing your headache triggers can help you avoid situations that cause your headaches. A headache diary can help. […] Review your diary with your provider to identify triggers or a pattern to your headaches. This can help you and your provider create a treatment plan. Knowing your triggers can help you avoid them. […] Lifestyle changes that may help include: […] If your provider prescribes medicines to prevent headaches or help with stress, follow instructions exactly on how to take them. Tell your provider about any side effects.
  • #105 Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/headache-treatment-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics) […] In many people, headaches can be well controlled with a combination of medicines and complementary therapies. Treatment is most successful when it is tailored to your needs. […] The treatment of tension headache, chronic daily headache, medication-overuse headache, and cluster headache will be reviewed here. […] Tension-type headaches are very common. They cause pressure or tightness around both sides of the head and neck. People often feel stress or tension before the headache. […] Acute treatment—Tension-type headaches that occur less than nine times per month can be treated with a pain reliever as-needed when a headache occurs. […] Headaches that occur on nine or more days per month usually are treated with a daily preventive medication along with a pain reliever as needed when a headache occurs.
  • #106 Tension Headache: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8257-tension-headaches
    Managing stress may be the most effective way to prevent a tension headache. […] If stress is the culprit, your provider also will recommend lifestyle changes and other things you can do to reduce stress and prevent tension headaches. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend prescription medication or physical therapy.
  • #107 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    There are conflicting results regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of TTH. […] Simple analgesics are the mainstays in the acute therapy of TTH. […] Prophylactic pharmacotherapy should be considered in patients with headaches on more than 15 days per month; that is, in patients with chronic TTH. […] The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is the only drug that has proven to be effective in several controlled trials in TTH. […] In general, the initial approach to prophylactic pharmacotherapy of chronic TTH is through the use of amitriptyline. Concomitant use of daily analgesics should be avoided. […] More efficient prophylactic drugs with fewer side effects are urgently needed for the preventive treatment of TTH. […] As neither nonpharmacological nor pharmacological management is highly efficient it is usually recommended to combine multiple strategies, although proper evidence is lacking.
  • #108 Tension Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://skinsight.com/skin-conditions/tension-headache/
    Taking ibuprofen (eg, Advil, Motrin), naproxen (eg, Aleve), aspirin (eg, Bayer), or acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) usually helps relieve tension headache. […] Lifestyle changes are very important in treating tension headaches. The goal is to avoid headache triggers. Learning about tension headaches, knowing what to expect, and keeping in touch with your medical professional are key to success in controlling symptoms. […] Treatments and strategies that can reduce tension headaches include: Physical therapy to work on posture and relax neck, shoulder, and back muscles. Addressing anxiety and depression. Learning how to control frustration and anger through relaxation therapies, hypnosis, or biofeedback. Adjusting habits that may be contributing to headaches (eg, obesity, snoring, poor diet, poor sleep habits, sedentary lifestyle). Monitoring your diet for food triggers and eliminating caffeine. Avoiding medication overuse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is talk therapy with a trained counselor, designed to identify stressors and develop coping strategies to minimize their effects. […] Your medical professional may prescribe medication to be taken daily for several months and increased gradually, if necessary, with the aim to eventually taper them off. If these are not effective, your medical professional may prescribe a migraine-preventive medication.
  • #109 Tension Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
    https://www.healthline.com/health/tension-headache
    You can start by drinking more water. You may be dehydrated and need to increase your water intake. […] If none of those strategies work, then you can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to get rid of a tension headache. However, these should only be used occasionally. […] OTC drugs are sometimes not enough to treat recurring tension headaches. In such cases, a healthcare professional may give you a prescription for medication, such as: tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, divalproex sodium, indomethacin, ketorolac, a pain relief medication, naproxen. […] If pain relievers aren’t working, they may prescribe a muscle relaxant. This is a medication that helps stop muscle contractions. […] A healthcare professional may also prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs can stabilize your brain’s levels of serotonin and can help you cope with stress.
  • #110 Tension Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
    https://www.healthline.com/health/tension-headache
    They may also recommend other strategies, such as: Stress management classes. These classes can teach you ways to cope with stress and how to relieve tension. […] Biofeedback. This is a relaxation technique that teaches you to manage pain and stress. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is talk therapy that helps you recognize situations that cause you stress, anxiety, and tension. […] Acupuncture. This is an alternative therapy that may lower your stress and tension by applying fine needles to specific areas of your body. […] The following may also ease your tension headache: Apply a heating pad or ice pack to your head for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. […] Take a hot bath or shower to relax tense muscles. […] Improve your posture. […] Take frequent computer breaks to prevent eye strain. […] However, these techniques may not keep all tension headaches from returning.
  • #111 Tension-Type Headache | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2002/0901/p797.html
    Research confirms that NSAIDs and acetaminophen are effective in reducing headache symptoms; however, this research offers limited guidance about which one to choose for individual patients. […] In patients with chronic tension-type headache, the treatment goals are to initiate effective prophylactic treatment and to manage any residual headaches in a manner that prevents the frequent use of analgesics and the risk for progression to chronic daily headache syndrome. […] Patients with chronic tension-type headache should limit their use of analgesics to two times weekly to prevent the development of chronic daily headache. […] A wide variety of prophylactic agents have been researched in the management of chronic tension-type headache, and comprehensive reviews are available for interested readers.
  • #112 Drug and Nondrug Treatment in Tension-type Headache
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3002628/
    There are conflicting results regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of TTH. […] Simple analgesics are the mainstays in the acute therapy of TTH. […] Prophylactic pharmacotherapy should be considered in patients with headaches on more than 15 days per month; that is, in patients with chronic TTH. […] The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is the only drug that has proven to be effective in several controlled trials in TTH. […] In general, the initial approach to prophylactic pharmacotherapy of chronic TTH is through the use of amitriptyline. Concomitant use of daily analgesics should be avoided. […] More efficient prophylactic drugs with fewer side effects are urgently needed for the preventive treatment of TTH. […] As neither nonpharmacological nor pharmacological management is highly efficient it is usually recommended to combine multiple strategies, although proper evidence is lacking.
  • #113 Tension headache Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/tension-headache
    Regular massage may help relieve stress and pain in people with chronic tension headaches, according to one preliminary study. […] Studies indicate that homeopathy may be no more effective than placebo in relieving tension headaches. […] You can do many things to avoid tension headaches or relieve the pain: Biofeedback to control muscle tension, Learn to meditate, breathe deeply, or try other relaxation exercises, such as yoga or hypnotherapy. […] More than 90% of people with tension headaches can get significant relief from a combination of lifestyle changes, relaxation, and medication.
  • #114 Tension Headache – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/tension-headache-a-to-z
    Relaxation techniques and deep-breathing exercises may help to decrease the frequency and severity of headaches. Some people get relief with biofeedback or acupuncture. […] Infrequent episodic tension-type headaches can usually be treated successfully with pain relieving medication. But finding the right combination of therapies to relieve frequent episodic and chronic tension-type headaches may take several months. Over time most people will have fewer and less severe headaches.