Coping With Headaches

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INFORMATION 
There are two basic types of headaches--migraine headaches and tension headaches. Migraines are the most difficult to overcome and are generally caused by factors inside the brain. A headache that is

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are a result of muscle tension (not necessarily psychological tension) in the scalp, neck, shoulders, and back.  Usually muscle tightness, spasms, and constricted blood flow within these muscles is the cause of the pain.

To overcome the pain of tension headaches, you must reduce the muscle tension and increase blood flow to those muscles that are affected.  The most severe pain usually comes from those in the scalp.  Using a vibrator, warm water, or massage to the scalp muscles and other muscles in the neck, shoulder, and upper back can reduce pain immediately and have a lasting effect.  It may be necessary to repeat the treatment regularly until the headache is completely gone. Another way of reducing the tension is through exercise or stretching of the muscles.  These techniques can be especially helpful on neck, shoulder, and back muscles.

Tension Headache Causes

One of the most common causes of headaches is poor posture or reading in a position that puts strain on the neck and shoulder muscles for long periods of time.  People who sit a a desk and bend their head forward to look down on a book, computer, or something they are writing put a great deal of strain on their neck, shoulder, and back muscles.  Your head is heavy, and these muscles get tired and may spasm from holding it in that position for a long time.  Change your work so that you don't have to look down!

Psychological stress can indirectly lead to headaches by causing increased muscle tension in general (or in some cases) specifically to the same muscles that cause headaches. 

ADVICE 
Tension headaches are relatively easy to reduce the pain almost immediately and to eliminate in a fairly short time.  You can also learn how to effectively prevent almost all of them.  Learn how to reduce the muscle tension causing them and avoid putting the stress on the muscles from poor posture, etc. Each person must experiment with different methods that work best for them.  It takes some time and effort to learn how; but the payoff is permanent relief from those painful headaches.

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INTERNET LINKS 
www.migraines.org  MAGNUM migraine awareness group

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CSULB Student Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CSULB students can obtain free counseling from licensed psychologists for almost any type of personal problem including relationships and family problems; stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief; academic-related concerns; career decision-making; crises; and almost any type of self-development issue.  We offer individual and group counseling, workshops, and self-help materials including this web site. Brotman Hall, Room 226; 562-985-4001; web site: www.csulb.edu/~caps

Other student services and student organizations may also be helpful
Go to CSULB student information page for a comprehensive list of student services and activities

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