10 Natural Ways To Reduce Tension Headache Pain

A tension headache is characterized by a dull pain, pressure, or tightness either across the forehead or near the back of the head and neck. Approximately eighty percent of people in the United States get them occasionally, and three percent suffer from them daily. Tension headaches can last anywhere from thirty minutes to several days. They are more likely to affect women than men and are considered chronic when an individual experiences them for at least fifteen days in one month. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the pain associated with tension headaches. In fact, there are even natural methods!

Feverfew

Feverfew is a herb that has been proven to reduce headaches. Research shows that ingesting it frequently reduces nausea, pain, vomiting, and sensitivity to light associated with tension headaches. A substance in feverfew, known as parthenolide, may also help reduce inflammation and prevent the constriction of blood vessels, which is often the culprit behind headaches. Feverfew has also been shown to be safe to take and does not produce harmful side effects.

It can be purchased in supplement form, and the recommended dosage is fifty to one hundred milligrams each day. Some research indicates it may take up to two weeks before relief is felt. Reports do indicate feverfew is best utilized as a preventative measure, which is why it's perfect for individuals who suffer from chronic tension headaches.

Get More Exercise

Most individuals spend many hours hunched over in front of a computer screen all day, which, unfortunately, is often how tension headaches start developing. Sitting in this position for hours at a time puts an additional twenty to thirty pounds of pressure on the neck, and this pressure, particularly when it happens most days, is not healthy. The good news is, even stretching every thirty minutes can really help alleviate this tension. Yoga and aerobic exercises are particularly beneficial for relieving tension headaches, improving respiration, and increasing blood flow to the brain. A simple balance ball and yoga mat are inexpensive ways to start setting up a workout center designed for tension headache relief in your home.