Tension Headache and the Brain (It's Brain Awareness week!)

Did you know that 1 in 6 people will be affected by brain disease and disorders in their lifetime? The Brain Foundation and its division Headache Australia are raising funds for much needed research. There is quite a range of diseases and disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease, Aneurysm, Sleep Disorders and Tension Headache. In this piece we are raising awareness of how we can take care of our brains and hope to keep them healthier.

Tension Headache is the most widespread headache disorder. Recent Studies show that about 7 million Australians are likely to have tension-type headaches, which are considered chronic when they occur for 15 days/months or more and episodic when less than 15 days/months. Tension headaches are not necessarily caused by tension or stress. Triggers can include excessive muscle contraction such as frowning or jaw clenching. Poor posture, bright lights, loud noise, prolonged reading, medications overuse, stress, anxiety, fatigue, emotional upset, depression are also possible triggers.

What can we do about them? Naturally, if they persist, we need to see a Doctor and have a medical assessment. When aware of our symptoms and any precipitating factors, we can then consider any other changes to treat the symptoms and prevent them lasting any longer than necessary.

Knowing the possibilities and the likely outcomes can help inform our day to day living. We might need to:

• take time away from stress

• have better work/life balance to include leisure, fun, rest, sleep and exercise daily.

• achieve a state of mental relaxation with 15 minutes of mediation each day

• get psychological help to address anxieties/emotional pressures

• treat physiological symptoms with massage, acupuncture, heat pad, deep breathing

• for minor headache use over the counter medications such a aspirin, paracetamol

• or use prescribed medicines such s antidepressants or stronger analgesics

• adopt a heathy diet including pomegranate juice, almonds, blueberries, and green tea

If you have a sense that your issues is psychological and that stress and worry are getting you down then…

If you’re stuck?

Let’s talk!