Women And Headache
(continued)
Common Types of Headache:
- The "not-tonight-dear-I-have-a-headache" Headache: The Classic Tension
Headache
Tension headaches are much more common in women than men. This headache
may last from 30 minutes to a week. It is non- pulsating, mild to moderate
in severity, generally on both sides of the head, yet not affected by physical
exertion, and not associated with other symptoms. The pain can be described
as "muscle contracting" and may extend down the neck and into the shoulders.
Its causes include anything that causes anxiety or tension for that particular
patient. Over the counter treatment is generally successful although occasionally
antidepressant medications are suggested in patients with chronic, recurrent
tension headaches. Muscle relaxants can also be helpful. The irony of
the tension headache is that while it certainly can reduce a woman's interest
in sexual activity, intercourse may actually reduce her stress and tension
causing the headache to resolve. Other aerobic exercise may achieve the
same effect.
There are two types of tension headache: episodic and chronic. Generally,
episodic headaches occur randomly and are often the result of temporary
stress, anxiety, fatigue or anger. If you are taking medication daily for
these headaches, consult your physician. You may have chronic tension-type
headaches. Or, you may be experiencing rebound headaches, which are medication-induced
and both aggravate and mask other headaches. Chronic tension-type headaches
may be the result of chronic stress or fatigue, but they can usually be
attributed to physical problems, psychological issues, or depression. Usually,
these problems are treatable.
Factors which contribute to a tension-type headache:
- Physical and Environmental Causes such as poor posture; poor
work conditions; arthritis (particularly cervical arthritis); abnormalities
in neck muscles, bones or discs; eye strain; misaligned teeth or jaws;
or noise.
- Emotional Factors such as grief, job or family conflicts
- Depression
- Side effects of certain medications
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 While the diagnosis may be a migraine, this diagnosis can only be made after other serious and even life-threatening problems are considered and ruled out. 
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