Stress is the most common trigger of headache. Both male and female headache sufferers frequently report that headaches are more likely to occur during or after periods of stress. Many people get this kind of headache after working too hard and for long hours at their desk or when driving non stop for long durations. Stressful situations such as marriage, birth of a child, or career changes all are sources of stress. This is the headache you get in the back of the neck. The pain runs along those tendons at the sides and back of the neck. A rise in blood pressure can also bring on this type of headache.
Causes for Stress and Headache
A stress headache is caused by the muscular contractions in your head, neck, and face. When you are stressed, these muscles get tensed up. Since they use more oxygen when they are contracted and when they continue to be tense, toxins build up in the muscles making them hurt. There are some specific types of stress that may cause the muscles to tense up. This headache can possibly become chronic if not checked.
The underlying internal reason for these headaches is often associated with the Liver. There are many things that can irritate the Liver. Emotional and mental stress will tend to disrupt the normal function of the Liver. Various foods such as fatty and spicy ones can disturb the Liver as well.
Prevention of Stress Headache
Good self-care and stress management is a place to start. Make it a point to take frequent breaks while you are working. Just getting up from the seat and walking around will help. Anything that helps you to manage stress should prevent a stress headache.
Treating a Stress Headache
The analgesics sold across the counter can be your first choice to beat stress headache. If that doesn't help, and if your headaches are persistent, you should consult a doctor for treatment and to make sure it's a stress headache and not something more serious.
Even a narcotic injection might be necessary to get rid of a tension headache. Also, antidepressants or muscular relaxants might help a stress headache. This would help you, even if you are not depressed. Massage, chiropractic, or physical therapy may also help relieve you from stress headache.
Some Useful Tips for Stress and Headaches
- Put warm packs or ice packs on the back of your neck. Go for a walk.
- A short, brisk walk often helps because the exercise helps ease the tension in those muscles.
- Take a few minutes to do some relaxing stretching exercises.
- Lie down on the floor and intentionally relax your muscles.
- Deep breathing relaxes you and sends more oxygen to the muscle that are causing your stress headache and to your brain.
- Take a ten-minute break at work and try some acupressure.