Stress Headache

Stress headaches are one of the most common types of headaches in the population.

It is clear that these types of conditions can originate from various causes. Tiredness, poor diet, certain diseases and even classic cervical problems often cause this recurrent discomfort.

However, sometimes we overlook that psychological state that is accompanied by a large number of physical symptoms. We talk, of course, about stress.

When worries, everyday stresses and our fast pace take their toll on our minds, the body is no stranger to their impact.

Thus, it is common for them to appear for example from pain in the neck, visual fatigue, dizziness and of course, headache. If the case worsens, it is important to remember that we must see a doctor immediately.

On the other hand, it should be noted that stress headaches can occur sporadically or continuously.

Let’s see more data below.

The causes of stress headache

A very common reason why headaches appear is due to stress  is due to the accumulation of tension, mainly in the neck, cervical and shoulder areas.

On the other hand, studies such as the one carried out by Drs. Justin M. Nash and Ronald W. Thebarge show us that psychological stress is one of the most common triggers for headaches.

• This annoying problem is more common in adults and adolescents, although in recent years children are also suffering from it.
• A stress headache is felt most intensely in the temples, the back of the neck, and in the center of the head.
• Its duration can range from a few minutes to continuing for several hours and even days.

• Likewise, those activities that require maintaining a single position for a long period of time predispose to this type of headache.
• It is also  important to note that stress can also intensify the occurrence of migraines. Studies such as the one carried out at the University of Calgari, show us that these states can become chronic and intensify this type of disease.

It is important to be able, from time to time, to take a break and do some movements that relax the neck and the muscles of the shoulders and back to relax and release tension.

Treatment to combat stress headaches

When treating stress headaches, we must consider several aspects. The first is that using the easy way (pain relievers) will not make this discomfort go away.  We will camouflage the pain but not the cause that determines it.

We should consider consulting with psychology professionals to learn how to better manage our stress. Likewise, it is also important to rule out that this headache is not due to other causes.

It never hurts to do a checkup, and then begin to be aware that our state will improve as long as we are able to generate changes.

• Identify your sources of stress.
• Work on those triggers that cause you suffering: can you change the situation? Can you do something to handle it much better?
• Reformulate your schedules, it is important that you dedicate two hours of rest a day.
• Integrate relaxation and breathing techniques into your day to day.
• Practices like Mindfulness and yoga can help you.
• Improve your diet: avoid inflammatory foods, such as coffee, sweets, saturated fats.
• Art therapies will allow you to relax your mind: read, write, paint, dance …
• Exercises like swimming will help you relieve tension.

The stress headache and our lifestyle, the need for a profound change

The WHO (World Health Organization) warns us of something important,  headaches are one of the most common disorders of the nervous system.

They are painful and disabling primary disorders, among which are from migraine to stress headache, as well as cluster headache.

Also, it is essential to remember that excessive consumption of painkillers could be very dangerous for your health.

We therefore need to integrate other strategies into our day-to-day life. Giving ourselves tools to manage emotions, make better use of our time or even learn to relax effectively are certainly approaches that we should integrate.

Drugs help, but they are not the answer to all of our discomfort. Thus, psychology professionals and even our physiotherapists are undoubtedly the ideal support to understand much better how to help our mind and body.