Tension headache is a medical condition which is supposed to be the most common presentation of headache, and usually consists of mild to moderate pain, usually surrounding the head like a tight band. Tension headache may also be experienced in the back of the head. Most individuals who have tension headache have a chronic presentation of this condition, which is aggravated by anxiety, depression, stress, lack of sleep, delay in taking meals, the use of certain medications, and hormonal changes, more especially seen in women. Tension headache also includes other symptoms like tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles, irritability, lack of sleep, fatigue, and lack of concentration. The modern management of tension headache usually consists of using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and the use of sedatives if required.
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for tension headache is aimed at giving symptomatic improvement for the condition as well as looking for a possible cause for tension headache, so as to completely cure this condition and prevent a recurrence. This is important, since most affected individuals have a chronic history for tension headache, and are frustrated by frequent recurrences of the condition. While investigating for the cause of tension headache, it is important to rule out serious medical conditions like Infections of the brain as well as any possible growths in the skull. Chronic respiratory infections like sinus infection and recurrent colds may also be present along with a history of tension headache. Such respiratory infections need to be treated first, since a resolution of these problems usually takes care of the headache too.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be given for the tension headache to reduce pain, inflammation, and spasm on of the skin and underlying muscles, both in the scalp as well as the neck. In addition, any predisposing factors for tension headache need to be attended to, in order to prevent a recurrence of the condition. Stress can be treated by adequate psychotherapy as well as appropriate medications if required. Anxiety, depression, and a habit of worry need to be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines as well as reassurance to the affected individual. Some patients with chronic tension headache do not improve in spite of all the above mentioned therapies. A complete resolution of the condition takes place when additional treatment is given to correct abnormalities and toxins present in the blood which may predispose and contribute to the tension headache.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously used to completely treat and cure tension headache.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
