If you're a long-time sufferer of chronic tension headaches, you probably think you've tried everything. But here are some really helpful pain busters that target chronic daily tension headaches that you may not be aware of.
Instructions
1. Unlike migraines, tension headaches often stem from chronically tight muscles in the neck and upper back. Putting deep prolonged pressure on these tight spots will help relieve the headache. The pressure must be precise and sustained for a minimum of 30 to 90 seconds on each muscle spasm you encounter.
2. Invest in a headache relieving therapeutic tool called a Theracane. It is an S-shaped hard plastic tool designed to target tight muscles. It comes with instructions but basically, all you do is dig it into whatever sore tight spots you have in your neck and back area and dig the ball part of the cane into that area. Hold it there until you feel the muscle spasm release.
3. In addition to the Theracane, you can use a tennis ball or hard plastic therapy ball to reach different areas. Find the tight spots in your neck and back, place the ball in those spots, and lie down on it until you feel it release.
4. Tension headache sufferers often have limited mobility in their neck, so doing head turns can help a lot. The different ways to turn your head are back, down to chin, side-to-side and ear-to-shoulder. Do each of these on both sides for a total of six separate movements, and hold the position until you feel the tension release.
5. Go for regular massages and tell the therapist to concentrate on your back, neck, and head. Many massage therapists offer 30-minute sessions, which can help keep costs down but do wonders for your headache.
6. Stretch often. Keeping your muscles loose even when you don't have a headache can keep one from coming. Yoga is particularly helpful for tension headache sufferers.
Tags: tension headaches, tight spots, until feel, your neck back, hard plastic