Tension Headache

[crisper]

I've been googling me symptoms... silly I know.. but, I think what I'm experiencing is a tension headache.. throbbing and tenderness to the left temple, some times feeling like a tight band across my head.. and really tired!... I'm very well and resonably fit other than that.. female, 42 and 3/4 years old... my question is, anyone else had them..how long do they last...and have you found anything to get rid? Its such a weird sensation !! :- / Ta everso..Mrs C x

[Sqad]

Well, as you have made the diagnosis, there is little left for me other than to say.........good luck.

[petal54]

I do,but have other med.issues,but sounds like it.have you tried FOREHEAD?

[boxtops]

Cocodamol, and lie down with a damp flannel on your head. Some people say have a warm bath to relax you, but that doesn't help me.

[Prudie]

Most of my headaches I've named tension headaches. Nurofen for Tension Headaches (sold in Superdrug etc) is averagely OK. A brisk walk can help if you feel up to it.

[crisper]

Sqad, Petal and Boxy.. thanks for your replies..its a case of finding the right painkiller.. and waiting for it to go....I'll have to get Mr C, to do everything... cooking, cleaning.. for days... ssshhhhh...I'm gonna tell him you guys said so !! ; - ) xx Mrs C x

[crisper]

Thanks Prudie..I'll try that aswell.. I work inside all day.. so fresh air and a walk would be good! Mrs C x

[jd_1984]

Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache and the one we think of as a normal, everyday headache. Most people are likely to have experienced a tension headache at some point;
Stress
Bad posture
Sleep depravation
Eyestrain
de-hydration etc etc.....
If you only get occasional headaches there is usually no need to see your GP. However, get medical advice if your headaches:

•are frequent or severe
•come on suddenly and are unlike anything you have had before
•are accompanied by a very stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting and confusion
•follow an accident, especially if it involved a blow to your head
•are accompanied by weakness, numbness, slurred speech or confusion

Tension-type headaches aren't life-threatening and are usually relieved by painkillers or changes in lifestyle, hydrating yourself, try not to strain your eyes watching TV, reading or using computers

[ck1]

Only sleep can fix it for me, good luck

[crisper]

Thankyou jd, and ck1... Makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one... but I am sorry so many of you suffer!... I think we need an ABers holiday... :-) Mrs C xx

[Sqad]

crisper....I will come straight to the point.

Your headache does not sound at all like a tension headache, which if i am correct invalidates all the answers based on that diagnosis.

Googling symptoms for a diagnosis is ludicrous.

I would see your GP as it has the characteristics of migraine and less likely, a condition that can be excluded with a blood test.

[jd_1984]

sqad has a medical background and his opinion re googling symptoms is shared by many so perhaps consider his post above others.

[ck1]

I would agree with the migraine diagnosis (this is what I get), but I find with any headache sleep is the only cure

[crisper]

jd... thankyou for your input.. I realise Sqad has a medical background,and I am very grateful for his..yours...and other ABers input.. but I have to say... I disagree that googling symptoms for a diagnosis is ludicrous.. I wouldn't trouble a doctor.. who has limited resources..and time... and other patients..with far more severe complaints, with a pain in the head..finger etc...whatever..and I expect that most people have at some time googled symptoms.. which are not severe.. before ringing the doc's with what is.. a minor problem!... Please don't think I'm being rude.. cheeky..I'm not. and I value all of your opinions and suggestions.. especially yours Sqad! thankyou again... Mrs C x

[237SJ]

For what it`s worth, I think Googling is fine when you have a diagnosis so that you can obtain more info but google can`t really diagnose you. Tension headaches tend to me more evenly distributed. If the pain is at one side of the head it could be migraine. You say you work inside all day. Do you look at a computer or do lots of close work? Maybe you should go to an optician as well as a GP

[crisper]

237SJ... I don't work at a computer all day... I'm a hairdreser.. so I don't use a computer much.. but do alot of close work.. concentrating on cutting people's hair... and not removing ears etc !!!!! ... and I have wondered about getting my eye's tested too..thanks for your input too Mrs C x