Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. The headache pain radiating from the head, neck, or back is something that most people have experienced. These “tension-type headaches (TTH) can either be episodic or continuous. They are usually episodic and last for less than 15 days per month. That sounds awful!
Chronic
They are considered “chronic” if they occur more than 15 times per month for a period of six to six months. Headaches are difficult to live with in either case. Although research is still incomplete on why headaches feel and hurt so much, tension headaches are most likely caused by tightening and contracting of muscles in the neck, shoulders, jaw, scalp, and neck in response to stress, anxiety, or depression.
Tension Headache
Tension headaches can be caused by overworking, grinding your teeth, eating irregularly, and not getting enough sleep. These headaches are not usually localized and can affect both sides of the head. They are usually described as dull, squeezing pains at the back of your head that then move forward.
Tension headaches usually last between four and six hours, but some can last for several days or even months. Tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin. These drugs can be used to relieve the headache but they won’t address the root cause of tension. The best way to reduce or eliminate tension headaches is to learn to control stress.
Stress
Stress is not a disease or condition. It’s a term that describes how we react to outside influences that cause fear and anxiety, feelings inadequacy, or other negative reactions. Different people react differently to these influences. The same circumstances that cause one person a lot of stress may not affect another in the same way.
This means that we can modify and control our reactions to positive stimuli. Since long, it has been possible to limit and control negative reactions. Meditation is all about learning to not react negatively towards outside stimuli and to recognize and accept your own self-worth.
