Deal with Tension Headaches Without Pain Relievers

Do you suffer from frequent tension headaches? If so, you probably take pain relievers regularly to alleviate the pain. But did you know that the pain relievers might actually be causing the tension headaches you've been trying to avoid?

I used to suffer from frequent tension headaches. And I relied on over the counter pain medications, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to deal with them. But I found that, when I cut down on the amount of pain relievers I was taking to deal with the pain, the frequency and severity of my tension headaches decreased. I also started to sleep better at night, which was an added bonus.

Making a few lifestyle changes helped prevent my tension headaches, so I didn't have as much reason to take pain relievers.

If you suffer from frequent tension headaches, give the following a try.

Tension Headaches and Lack of Sleep

Something as simple as not getting enough sleep could be causing your tension headaches. I know that was one of my problems. When working on a project or reading a good book, I'd sometimes stay up much later than usual. And a tension headache was almost always the result.

Make sure you get enough sleep at night. Set a regular bed time for yourself, and stick to it. Even if you're not tired, go to bed at your scheduled time. Chances are you'll soon fall asleep.

Note What You Were Doing Before Your Tension Headache Started

Like a mentioned, staying up late reading almost always ends with me having a tension headache. I don't do that anymore. And, while I don't read as many books every month, I don't suffer as much pain either.

Take note of the things that seem to cause or contribute to your tension headaches, and avoid those things.

Skipping Meals Can Contribute to Tension Headaches

I had a bad habit of skipping meals when I got busy. Not only did that probably contribute to my tension headaches, I'm sure it also contributed to my daily, afternoon slump.

Don't skip meals. Always make time to eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Get Plenty of Exercise

Not only will exercise help to improve your overall health, exercise also releases brain chemicals (like endorphins) that help block or alleviate pain. So regular exercise could go a long way towards cutting down on the severity and frequency of your tension headaches.

Choose a physical activity you can really enjoy (like jogging, swimming, or taking a dance class), and do it for at least twenty minutes three times a week.

The best way to cut down on the amount of pain relievers you take to alleviate tension headaches is to prevent the tension headaches in the first place. And these tips will help you do just that.