Headaches caused by tension and stress

What is stress headache?

Stress headache is a form of tension headache that is directly affected by stress. While stress is not the only cause of headaches, it can be a major factor that causes or exacerbates them. It is often considered the straw that breaks the camel's back, in addition to other possible causes such as lack of sleep.

Triggers for stress headaches

Stress headaches can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Lack of sleep: Insufficient rest can contribute to the development of stress headaches.
• Insufficient relaxation: After a long working day, it can be difficult to relax sufficiently, which can cause headaches.
• Physical tension: Tense muscles in neck and shoulders due to poor posture or overuse.

Characteristics of stress headaches

Stress headaches are characterized by:

• Time of occurrence: Often the headache occurs toward evening after a day of stressful activities.
• Duration of headache: It may last from several minutes to days, sometimes with sensitivity to light and sound.
• Impact on daily life: Although it does not always greatly affect daily activities, the frequency of headaches can increase with ongoing stress.

Treatment and prevention of stress headaches

If stress headaches occur, over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol may provide relief. More severe cases may require a prescription drug, for which a doctor should be consulted.

To prevent or reduce stress headaches, the following steps are recommended:

• Stress Management: Learn to manage stress effectively through relaxation exercises, meditation or breathing techniques.
• Sleep hygiene: Get adequate and quality sleep.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat healthy, exercise regularly and ensure adequate relaxation in addition to work activities.

Chronic tension and headaches

If stress headaches occur regularly as a result of chronic tension, simple painkillers may not be enough. In such cases, it is important to address the underlying causes of the tension with professional help, such as psychological or social support.

Characteristics of tension headaches

Tension headaches are caused by tense and cramped muscles, often felt as an oppressive band around the head. Improving posture, physical therapy, yoga and relaxation exercises can help reduce and prevent symptoms.

By consciously dealing with stressors and actively working on relaxation and healthy habits, you can effectively manage stress headaches and improve your overall well-being.