Neuromuscular Headache Blog - I Hate Headaches

Stress headaches (also referred to as tension headaches) are the most common type of headache among adults. Stress headaches don't typically keep a person from performing daily tasks, however they can make performing these daily tasks terribly unpleasant.

The causes of stress headaches are commonly rooted in environmental or emotional triggers. Because the body prefers to exist in a state of balance, when you become excessively stressed out, your body reacts to maintain balance.

One physiological and instinctive reaction to stress is referred to as a "panic" state, also known as 'fight or flight". This instinctive stress triggered defense mechanism can cause changes in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and the chemical balances in your brain. "Fight or flight" has its place, but over a prolonged period of time, these reactions can most certainly cause a headache.

In other cases, stress headaches are caused by tightened muscles in the back of the neck and scalp. This muscle tension may be caused by fatigue or overexertion, anxiety, emotional or mental stress, eye strain, poor posture or even hunger pains.

Over-the-counter painkillers are often the first line of defense in treating stress or tension headaches, but remember that pain medications are not a substitute for dealing with the stress that may be causing your headaches.

If you suffer from stress or tension headaches and live in Alabama, Nebraska, California, Illinois, Texas, Utah or Northern Virginia, please contact us at I Hate Headaches to meet with one of our headache specialists, today.