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Chronic tension headaches are a serious ailment that can detract from enjoyment of daily life. Daily activities are subject to interruption by painful episodes that can occur any time. Chronic tension headaches can easily lead to depression and a general pain crisis. It is important that chronic tension headaches receive prompt attention and medical care. Fortunately, the medical community has a great deal of experience with the phenomenon of headache, and has several avenues of treatment available for sufferers. In fact, headaches are actually divided into three individual categories.

The majority of headaches suffered can fit into the primary category. A primary headache is frequently brought on by emotional or physical stress, and is the most common form of headache by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but they can bring serious pain with them. This pain can impair enjoyment of daily activities, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms are brought on by a tightening of the muscles that surround the base of the skull. This tightening comes on as a sensation of tightness at first in the patient’s cranial area.

Cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far less frequent basis, but are much more serious. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identifiable by the amount of pain they cause. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as like having an icepick driven into the eye. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches can be a sign of deeper neurological issues.

Chronic tension headaches should be treated with an eye toward stress management. Physical and emotional stress are both known to trigger chronic tension headache. Circumstances that trigger significant emotional stress can prompt the occurence of chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress are necessary to bring the problem under control. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment with more powerful pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that do not abate should be a signal to see a doctor.

Tags: chronic headache, chronic tension headaches, headache, headaches, Mental Health