Headaches are one of the most common symptoms that people experience. Several factors can lead to headaches, including emotional changes, physical injuries, and environmental changes. One of the most commonly encountered headaches is a tension headache.
A tension headache feels like a band tightening around your head. The pain from this headache can range from mild to moderate. Tension headaches may occur for a few hours to several days. Hence, it can definitely impact an individual’s daily routine.
With the help of a NUCCA chiropractor, tension headaches can be eliminated. Read on to learn more about tension headaches and how the NUCCA procedure can provide long-lasting relief.
What Causes Tension Headaches?
All types of headaches, including tension headaches, may arise for several reasons. To know how to eliminate tension headaches, learning about what might cause them is essential. Here are some of the possible causes of tension headaches:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Eyestrain
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
Some people also develop tension headaches from their lifestyle and poor posture. Drinking alcohol, for example, can cause tension headaches.
What Characterizes Tension Headaches?
Tension headaches differ from other headache types. The diagnosis of this condition requires a physical examination and checking of symptoms. People who visit a chiropractor for tension headaches may have been experiencing the symptoms for months or years. The typical symptoms of tension headaches include feeling something similar to a band tightening around the head and pain that starts near the eyes and surrounds the entire head.
Tension headaches may also be episodic or chronic. They are considered episodic if they occur less than 15 days in 30 days and chronic if attacks happen for 15 or more days in the same timeframe. Both episodic and chronic tension headaches are characterized by lingering pain that may worsen as the day progresses.
Unlike migraine headaches, people who suffer from tension headaches do not usually experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Also, tension headache symptoms do not usually worsen due to physical activity.
What Are Some Home Remedies for Tension Headaches?
People with tension headaches tend to use painkillers to treat the associated symptoms. However, this strategy is at best a short-term solution since medications only target the symptoms but do not provide a solution to the root problem.
Another method that can potentially bring relief to tension headaches is by trying some natural remedies. Here are some natural approaches that may alleviate tension headaches:
Feverfew
Feverfew is a natural herb that contains an ingredient called “parthenolide” that relaxes blood vessels in the face. Hence, it can remove the inflammation and pain from your tension headache. Taking this herb as a tea twice daily can help ease the pressure of the headache.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne contains “capsaicin,” which is popularly known to treat pain and inflammation. A simple remedy for tension headaches is diluting ¼ teaspoons of cayenne powder in 4 ounces of water and applying the mixture inside the nostrils. Be careful in handling cayenne powder and make sure that none of it goes into your eyes.
Almonds
Almonds contain “salicin,” an ingredient commonly used in some over-the-counter painkillers. Although its effects might not be as fast as when taking medication, eating a handful of almonds can help reduce the symptoms connected to your headache.
Aside from using food for relief, learning to manage your stress and relaxing can help alleviate pain from this type of headache. Stress can affect the muscles of our body, which can lead to tension headaches. Try some breathing exercises to reduce your stress levels. Keeping your shoulders relaxed is another way to lessen stress and pains associated with tension headaches.
Benefits of NUCCA Method for Tension Headaches
Did you know that paying a visit to a NUCCA chiropractor for tension headaches can help reduce and possibly eliminate tension headaches?
A misalignment in the upper neck is another common reason for many different types of headaches including tension headaches. The bone at the base of the head and top of the neck is called the atlas. Due to its position, it’s easily the most vulnerable part of the spine. Hence, misalignments may occur in this area of the neck. Any misalignments in the atlas bone can lead to issues in the nervous system, affecting how the brain and body communicate. Tension headaches might result from these issues.
The NUCCA procedure of Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a natural way to help you get rid of tension headaches. NUCCA chiropractors specialize in the alignment of the head and neck. They use gentle, safe, and accurate techniques to realign the bones in the neck to their natural position. The realignment gives the body room to heal, resulting in decreased intensity and frequency of the symptoms associated with tension headaches.
Do you want to experience the benefits of the NUCCA procedure? You might want to check out this directory to find a NUCCA doctor near you. It’s time to visit a chiropractor for tension headaches to get lasting relief.
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