<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2ZSUTF_0uikhDQJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2ZSUTF_0uikhDQJ00" width="732" height="549" ><p>Stress may trigger tension-type headaches or migraine attacks, research shows. To keep the pain at bay, treatments, like ibuprofen, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness or relaxation practices, may help.</p><p>Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, which may feel like a tight band around the head or aching on both sides of it. They’re also sometimes called muscle contraction or stress headaches since they’re commonly caused by stress or muscle tension.</p><p>This condition tends to recur repeatedly over time. If you’re among those who regularly experience stress headaches, here’s what to know about how to live pain-free.</p><h2>Causes of stress headaches</h2><p>Experts theorize tension-type or stress headaches </p><p>factors like:</p><ul><li>repetitive muscle contractions (i.e., due to injury or slouching, forcing other muscles to attempt to compensate)</li><li>other autonomic nervous system dysfunction, especially due to lack of sleep </li></ul><h2>Symptoms of a stress headache </h2><p>According to the </p><p>National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)</p><p>, symptoms of a stress or tension headache may include:</p><ul><li>dull, pressure-type pain</li><li>a feeling of tightness around the head</li><li>pain that’s worse in the temples, scalp, or back of the neck</li><li>pain in the shoulders</li><li>all-over pain</li><li>difficulty sleeping</li></ul><p>The pain could happen just once, for a prolonged period, or even daily.</p><h2>Stress headaches vs. migraine episodes</h2><p>Tension headaches typically don’t cause any nausea or vomiting. If you experience stomach issues alongside your head pain, you may instead have a migraine.</p><p>Stress is also the </p><p>migraine trigger. Although experts don’t know for sure if stress directly causes migraine episodes, the conditions appear to be interrelated. Symptoms of migraine </p><p>:</p><ul><li>throbbing, pounding, or pulsing pain</li><li>pain that’s worse on one side of the head</li><li>pain behind the eye or in the back of the neck and head</li><li>vision issues, like blind spots or seeing stars</li><li>tunnel vision</li><li>eye pain</li></ul><h2>How do you get rid of a stress headache?</h2><p>According to the </p><p>National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)</p><p>, treatments for headaches, including stress headaches, may include:</p><ul><li>dietary supplements, like magnesium or B complex vitamins</li><li>over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, like muscle relaxers, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and caffeine</li></ul><p>Learn more about natural ways to combat headaches, including:</p><ul><li>limiting alcohol</li><li>avoiding foods with high histamine, such as aged cheeses, beer, and cured meat</li><li>using essential oils</li><li>using a cool compress</li><li>avoiding strong smells</li><li>avoiding nitrates and nitrites</li></ul><h2>Treating the cause of stress </h2><p>Treating the underlying cause of stress can also reduce the instance or severity of many conditions, stress headaches included.</p><p>Researchers note therapeutic approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be useful for reframing thought patterns that may lead to undesirable physiological responses, such as headaches. </p><p>According to the </p><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</p><p>, ways to minimize stress include:</p><ul><li><b>Recognizing stress:</b> For instance, do you feel angry, annoyed, lose sleep, or get headaches or stomach pain?</li><li><b>Avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms:</b> This may include avoiding things, like overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and sleeping too much or too little. </li><li><b>Doing what soothes stress for you:</b> Try accepting what you can’t change, avoiding triggering situations, doing an activity you enjoy, changing your outlook, connecting with loved ones, or finding new ways to relax. </li></ul><p>Other specific techniques that aid in relaxation and stress reduction include:</p><ul><li>getting more exercise</li><li>eating a well-rounded diet</li><li>minimizing screen time</li><li>practicing self-care</li><li>journaling</li><li>getting a massage</li><li>reducing caffeine intake</li><li>spending time with loved ones</li><li>creating healthy boundaries</li><li>planning and avoiding procrastination </li><li>practicing mindfulness techniques</li><li>doing yoga or tai chi</li><li>practicing breathwork</li><li>practicing meditation</li></ul><p>ways to reduce stress and anxiety here.</p><h2>Frequently asked questions about stress headaches </h2><h2>Where are stress headaches located? </h2><p>Stress headaches </p><p>pain in the:</p><ul><li>head</li><li>scalp</li><li>neck</li><li>shoulders</li></ul><p>Stress-related migraine episodes may also cause pain in the eyes.</p><h2>How long should a stress headache last?</h2><p>Stress headaches may last anywhere from </p><p>, but they average about 4 to 6 hours in length.</p><p>Migraine headaches, meanwhile, tend to last from </p><p>.</p><h2>How do I know if my headache is from stress? </h2><p>Keeping a diary of factors that precede your symptoms may help you identify the cause of your headaches, especially with support from a doctor. Learn more about how to start a headache diary here. </p><p>A doctor can also help identify the cause of your head pain by giving you a physical and neurological exam.</p><p>In addition to stress, your headache may also be due to common triggers, such as:</p><ul><li>anxiety or depression</li><li>extreme moods</li><li>eyestrain</li><li>allergies or sinuses</li><li>physical activity, inactivity, or jet lag</li><li>loud music</li><li>dehydration</li><li>caffeine, alcohol, or drugs, either due to use or withdrawal</li><li>hormones</li><li>certain smells</li><li>motion sickness</li><li>injury</li><li>teeth grinding, clenching, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders</li></ul><p>For some people, headaches may not have an identifiable trigger, but measures, like reducing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can help reduce symptoms.</p><h2>Takeaway</h2><p>Though stress or tension-type headaches are common, without treatment, they may significantly impact your day-to-day life. Treatments may include identifying your triggers and thought patterns and practicing relaxation techniques and mindfulness.</p><p>You can also typically find relief from tension-type headaches with OTC pain medications, like ibuprofen. If your symptoms don’t improve, a doctor can help diagnose and treat your condition.</p></div></body>

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Yes, Stress Can Cause Headaches or Migraine Attacks: What to Know

Stress may trigger tension-type headaches or migraine attacks, research shows. To keep the pain at bay, treatments, like ibuprofen, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness or relaxation practices, may help. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, which may feel like a tight band around the head or aching...

Yes, Stress Can Cause Headaches or Migraine Attacks: What to Know

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