Don’t Get A Headache On Your Date! You Might Lose Your Patience

(A Valentine Special Part II)

I’m very brave generally, only today I happen to have headache.
Tweedlelum in Alice in Wonderland

I enjoy surfing and reading blogs everyday until I find myself with a headache. I called my Stepmom about it. She advised me to stop whatever I’m doing, stretch and relax. It’s tension headache. She said. More than 90 percent of headaches are caused by tension. Tension headaches are often caused by tight muscles in the neck, back and shoulders. Both emotional stress, such as sitting at a computer too long can cause muscle tension. A previous neck injury or arthritis in the neck can also cause tension headaches, she continues.

What causes it? I asked, while rubbing the back of my neck.

A tension headache may cause the pain all over the head, pressure, or a feeling of having a band around the head. The head may feel like it is vise. Some people feel a dull, pressing, burning sensation above the eyes.

The pain may also affect the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles. You can rarely pinpoint the center or source the pain.

Ah ok, nodding my head.

She asked, scale of 1-10, what’s the pain level?

I answered four. I hung the phone and this is the rest of what she told me.

Prevention

• Reduce emotional stress. The next time you do something that causes headache, take time to relax before and afterwards. Stretch as shown in the picture, to relax your shoulder.
  

• Reduce physical stress. Change positions often during desk work and stretch for 30 seconds each hour. Make a conscious effort to relax you jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles.

• Evaluate your neck and shoulder posture at work and make adjustments if needed.

• Daily exercise helps reduce or relieve tension.

• Cut down caffeine. People who drink a lot of caffeinated beverages often develop a headache that is relieved by drinking caffeine.

Home Treatment

• Stop whatever you are doing and sit quietly for a moment. Close your eyes and inhale and exhale slowly. Try to relax your head and neck muscles.

• Take a stretching break or try a relaxation exercise.

• Massage the neck and muscle. Rub gently and firmly toward the heart.

• Treat your self to a spa for a massage. Regular massage gives you a lot of energy for the whole week and help cope with stress.

• Apply heat with heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm shower.

• Lie down in a dark room with a cool cloth on your forehead.

• Aspirin or ibuprofen often helps relieve the tension headache. However, using over the counter medications too often may make headaches more frequent or severe.

• If the headache is severe, better call your doctor especially if you have a fever.

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