A woman holding her head with her hands

How to Get Rid of Tension Headaches Quickly?

Getting headaches can be debilitating and can lead you to miss out on your everyday responsibilities. There are many kinds of headaches that you can experience. It is important to pinpoint the exact type of headache you are suffering from to find ways to alleviate the pain.

Read along as we tackle what tension headaches are and how to get rid of them quickly.

What is a Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are considered the most common type of headaches that can affect any individual. It is a mild to moderate pain likened to a tight band feeling around your head. Even though it is considered the most common type of headache, the causes can vary and can often be linked to stress and muscle tension.

There are numerous types of treatments that you can utilize to relieve tension headache symptoms. The best way to get rid of tension headaches is to practice healthy habits, use effective nonmedical treatments, and use medication properly as needed.

Unlike migraines, tension headaches rarely lead to nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.

How Do You Get Rid of Tension Headaches?

In getting rid of tension headaches, you can either use medication or natural, non-medicated ways. Here are the different ways how you can relieve pain symptoms from tension headaches:

Embrace Relaxing Activities

Most experts agree that tension headaches are often caused by stress and the number one way to combat stress is to use relaxing activities to ease your mind and lower your stress levels. You can exercise, practice yoga, meditate, and use deep breathing techniques to help with your stress.

Stay Hydrated

Most people underestimate the power of water, but if you are dehydrated, you are more prone to headaches. By regularly drinking water and fluids, you can keep your body functioning well and steering clear of tension headaches.

Pain Relievers

Medication can also be used to relieve the pain from tension headaches. Some medications don’t require a prescription. You can get over-the-counter like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. If you are using a medication, refrain from drinking alcohol and mixing it with other drugs.

Massage Therapy 

Getting massages can improve your stress levels because it is very relaxing, and at the same time, the masseuse can put pressure on your pain points that might be triggering your headaches. You can share with your masseuse that you suffer from tension headaches and concentrate on your shoulders, neck, and head area.

What Triggers Tension Headaches?

The main cause of tension headaches can be tricky to pinpoint, but experts have often linked tension headaches to muscle contractions in the face, neck, and scalp. Emotions, tension, or stress can cause these contractions.

Stress is the number one cause of tension headaches, and if you are experiencing chronic tension headaches that are harder to get rid of, you should think about easing your stress levels and relaxing. Changing your habits towards a healthier and more balanced lifestyle is key to limiting the occurrence of tension headaches.

How Long do Tension Headaches Last?

Tension headaches are often categorized into two main types: episodic tension-type headaches and chronic tension-type headaches. The main differentiation between these two types is how long the headaches last. Episodic tension-type headaches can last fewer than 15 days, while chronic tension-type headaches can last more than 15 days.

Episodic tension headaches can last 30 minutes to a few days, and it usually starts slowly with mild symptoms that can lead to stronger symptoms as the day goes by. Chronic headaches can last for a long time, and while the symptoms can waver throughout the days, the pain is always there.

How Does a Tension Headache Feel?

When you are suffering from a tension headache, you will almost feel like there is a tight band around your head. You will experience dull and aching pain around your head and pressure across your forehead or the sides or back of your head. People suffering from tension headaches often complain about tenderness in their scalp, shoulder muscles, and neck area.

Tension Headache Relief Pressure Points

Pressure points can also be used to get rid of tension headaches quickly. The main pressure point for headaches is called the LI-4 or Hegu. This pressure point is located between the base of the thumb and the index finger. You can trigger this pressure point by pressing your thumb in this pressure point and putting pressure on it for 5 minutes. You can move your thumb in a circular motion and make sure you are applying firm pressure, but it should not hurt.

How to Get Rid of a Tension Headache ( If Nothing Works, Try IV)

Tension headaches can affect how you live, especially if you are suffering from them frequently. You might feel defeated, especially if you have tried everything to help alleviate your headache. If nothing else works, you can try IV therapy. This type of therapy has grown in popularity over the last few years, especially among people looking for more natural ways.

The fluid in the IV is typically made out of water and vitamins and is designated to make you feel better and boost your immune system. It is a perfect solution for people who want to get rid of their tension headaches quickly without feeling the side effects of medication and drugs.

Drip Hydration Can Help You Rehydrate In The Comfort Of Your Own Home

Drip Hydration is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week. Our certified nurses are on call to come directly to your home to deliver any IV infusion of your choice. If you’re suffering from a hangover or have just done an intense workout, IV hydration is a great way to quickly recover and get back to your day-to-day.

Simply schedule an appointment, and we will come directly to you. Drip Hydration offers convenient services that will improve your health and can be worked around even the most hectic schedule.