Stress headache

The medical community has set out a well defined categorization of stress headaches. The first category of the primary headache due to stress, is experienced by almost everyone throughout their lives. Not only that, the primary headache occurs more frequently than any other kind of headache, and is by definition not life threatening, nor indicative of any kind of neurological problem. The cluster headache category is defined as a far more painful variety of headache that occurs to a much smaller segment of the population. Cluster headaches are so called because of the random groupings in which they occur. Patients can go pain free for years before suddenly suffering a rash of attacks. Secondary headaches are classified as symptoms of a deeper neurological issue, such as internal bleeding, tumor growth, or chemical imbalance in the brain. Cluster headaches and secondary headaches occur on a much less frequent basis than primary headaches.

The common stress headache falls into the primary category. Although not life threatening, the stress headache can become an impediment to the enjoyment of daily life. In some cases, the common stress headache can be very painful. It is important that these cases be resolved as quickly as possible to avoid serious discomfort. The first step in treatment is knowing the source of the issue. }.  Stress headache is believed to actually result from a contraction of the muscles surrounding the skull. The added pressure from this contraction introduces a level of pressure that causes general discomfort and pain. The problem does not occur in the brain, but in the muscles around the skull.

The tightening of the muscles around the skull is typically explained as a feeling of band-like tightness around the forehead. This is the first sign of stress headache, and can be a good time to administer preventive measures like a dosage of Ibuprofen or Aleve.  To actually prevent stress headache more effectively, the root problem should be investigated. If stress headache occurs on a fairly regular basis, it can be assumed that daily emotional or physical stress is to blame. Stress management can be a big part of reducing stress headache. Changes should be made to lifestyle choices that trigger stress headache, or manage them more effectively, and stress headache may be reduced.  If pain persists in a chronic fashion, this may be a sign of another, more complex issue that should be treated by a specialist.