For pain in the head, do not abuse analgesics

• May 3, 2024

The most common headache is called tension-type headache and it can occur at any age, although it is more common among adults and adolescents, say doctors from the National Institutes of Health of the United States.

This migraine occurs when the muscles of the neck and scalp become tense or contract. Muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, head trauma or anxiety. Likewise, any activity that forces the head to maintain a single position for a long time without moving can cause tension-type headache; for example, working for hours in front of the computer, doing minute manual activities or using a microscope excessively. Sleeping in a cold room or with your neck in an uncomfortable position can trigger this type of headache.

Beware of painkillers

Experts say a headache it becomes chronic If it happens two or more times a week for a few months or more. The daily and chronic migraine can be a consequence of the deficient or excessive treatment of a tensional type headache. For example, patients who take analgesics more than 3 days a week on a regular basis may suffer from rebound headaches.

Some people take showers or hot or cold baths to relieve the headache. Others may need to make lifestyle changes if you have chronic tension headaches, for example, modify your sleep habits, exercise more, or stretch your neck and back muscles.

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen, or paracetamol, may relieve pain if the relaxation techniques they do not work. It is likely that you are one of those who before participating in any activity that can trigger a headache, you take an analgesic as a preventive measure. You should know that pain medications only relieve symptoms for a short period of time. After a while, they no longer work the same or the help they provide does not last that long.

The regular and excessive use of analgesics can lead to rebound headaches, experts say.
 

Video Medicine: Migraines in children: Guidelines for primary care management of headache (May 2024).