Home Remedies to Help Relieve Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and most people will experience one at some point in their lives. They are often felt across the forehead and temples and are commonly described as a "tight band" around the head. Many people also notice tenderness or tightness in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Common Causes and Triggers of Tension Headaches
Stress & anxiety
Fatigue
Poor posture or work ergonomics
Eye strain
Dehydration
Smoking
Caffeine withdrawal
Bright & noisy environments
At Home Tips and Tricks to Help Relieve a Tension Headache
Peppermint Oil
Applying a small amount of peppermint oil on the temples is a highly effective and cooling way of relieving tension headaches. Be sure to avoid contact with the eyes and always follow the product’s directions for use.
Heat Pack
Applying a heat pack around your neck will help promote blood circulation to the area. This may help reduce muscle tension that can contribute to tension headaches.
Fun fact: Be Well Health Group currently stocks a beautiful range of Zephyr & Soul heat packs, perfect for use at home.
Spikey Ball
Gentle and controlled pressure with a spikey ball can help target those tight ‘knots’ around the neck and shoulders. This may help relieve muscle tension and decrease discomfort.
Hydration & Rest
Dehydration is a common trigger for tension headaches. Drinking water throughout the day and taking time to rest in a quiet and dark environment can help reduce symptoms. Limiting screen time and, if possible, taking a short nap may also be beneficial.
Deep Breathing or Meditation Techniques
Stress is a common contributor to tension headaches. Practicing deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or short guided meditations can help stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) and our vagus nerve. This may help reduce the intensity of a tension headache.
A great place to start is this five minute guided meditation: Five Minute Guided Meditation
How Be Well Health Group Can Help
If muscle tension, poor posture, stress, or workplace ergonomics are contributing to your tension headaches, treatment options such as Osteopathy, Myotherapy, Remedial Massage, Chinese Medicine or Psychology may help address some of the underlying factors. Our team at Be Well Health Group in Grovedale Geelong can work with you to develop an individualised plan to help you move, feel, and function at your best.
If your tension headache worsens or persists over an extended period of time and/or it starts to impact your daily life, please make a booking with your local GP to discuss your symptoms.
Cassie
