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Chronic tension headaches can be a potentially debilitating condition that seriously deprives the patient of life enjoyment. Daily activities can be painfully interrupted by the sudden occurence of a tension headache. Chronic tension headaches are known to cause depression in some. 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 has the most frequent rate of occurence by far. Primary headaches are almost never life threatening, but are known to cause significant discomfort. This pain can hamper everyday enjoyment of life, making even basic functioning difficult. Although the actual causes of chronic tension headache are still unknown, it is widely held that the symptoms can be traced to a tightening of muscles around the skull. This tightening can be initially identified as a band like feeling just above the eyes that gradually grows into a painful sensation.
Cluster and secondary headaches are a far rarer form of headache that occurs to small portion of the population. To treat this kind of headache, the attention of a specialist is most likely required. Cluster headaches are easily identified by the pain level that they induce. Patients frequently describe cluster headaches as an icepick sensation behind one or both eyes. Treatment includes powerful sedatives and pain medications. Secondary headaches usually indicate some other issue that is at work.
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 easily lead to chronic tension headaches. Prolonged physical stress can also be tied directly to chronic tension headaches. Steps to manage both kinds of stress should be undertaken in order to reduce the occurence of chronic tension headaches. If these steps do not succeed, then further treatment via pain medications may be necessary. Chronic tension headaches that occur on a regular basis should be a signal to see a doctor.
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