Discover the key causes of tension headaches and how to get relief from tension headache with 3 simple natural methods!
If you are one of the unfortunate millions to suffer from tension headaches, you'll understand just how uncomfortable and inconvenient they can be, especially when you're expected to work, look after a family and just carry on with life as usual.
In this article, we'll be uncovering the key causes of tension headaches and offering a natural, chemical-free alternative to completely alleviate pain and discomfort as well as detailing some of the other benefits associated with massage. Read on to discover the cause and the cure for your tension headache troubles and find out why our corporate on-site massage services could offer you a pathway to a happy, healthy and productive London workforce.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TENSION HEADACHES?
Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches - it is reported that around 70% of adults in the UK may suffer from this type of discomfort each week.
What begins as a dull ache can spread around the skull creating a feeling of tightness, with band-like discomfort and pressure that travels along the forehead, back of the head and neck. It can even be felt behind the eyes, making it difficult to carry on with our daily lives.
When a tension headache strikes, you might feel that you just want to curl up in a dark room and wait for the sensation to pass, but sadly our busy modern schedule often don't accommodate a few hours downtime as we're all busy working, caring for our families and keeping on top of our other day to day responsibilities. Even worse, some tension headaches can become chronic and last for upwards of seven days, so they can also be incredibly debilitating and make it hard to carry on with life as usual.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF TENSION HEADACHES?
1) STRESS
Tension headaches are usually caused by stress, therefore they are also called stress headaches. Those with highly stressful and fast-paced jobs are generally the ones suffering from stress headaches the most. The office environment can contribute to tension headaches, because of the multitude of computer screens, ringing telephones, strip lighting and a hectic work schedule, which all may cause tightness around the skull and a persistent, dull ache behind the eyes and in the neck.
2) POSTURE
Poor posture is another leading cause of tension headaches for city workers who are expected to stay at their desks for prolonged hours at a time to make sure that those deadlines are met. Being hunched over paperwork or staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time creates pressure in the neck area that can trigger a tension headache.
3) LIFESTYLE
Other elements that can result in a tension headache presenting itself are a lack of sleep, poor diet and grinding your teeth – these habits are often reported by busy London executives who have highly demanding roles in the city.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT AND ALLEVIATE THOSE TENSION HEADACHES FOR A PROPER RELIEF?
1) MOVE!!!
You can add some movement to your daily habits even while sitting at the desk. Check this video for some ideas how to stretch your back and shoulders while at work! Even if you only do it 1/2 times per day, it will always be better than not moving at all! So make sure you try it!!
2) TRY ONE OF THESE MASSAGE THERAPY TREATMENTS: ON-SITE CORPORATE MASSAGE, DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE, THAI MASSAGE, REFLEXOLOGY AND ZONE FACELIFT MASSAGE
When you begin to feel that familiar dull ache around the skull that heralds the beginning of a tension headache, it can be tempting to reach for a packet of chemical-filled painkillers. However, aspirin and Paracetemol only treat the symptoms of a tension headache for a short period of time.
In contrast, massage can offer a natural, immediate and long-lasting solution which fights the pain and discomfort felt when a tension headache arrives.
Massaging the upper back and neck instantly releases built-up tension in these areas and can provide fast relief from tension headaches. By manipulating key muscle groups that help to support the head and in the upper back, stress and built up strain dissipates. This is achieved using gentle pressure and expert knowledge of this important area of the body’s anatomy.
Better still, London workers won’t need to leave their offices to seek relief from tension headaches and then hurry back to work, as A to Zen therapies offers a unique office massage service where we’ll come to you to help relieve tension headaches, lower stress levels and improve posture.
Some of the benefits of offering massage services in your office may include:
- a significant decrease in staff absenteeism
- reduced health insurance costs
- improved focus and morale
- increased employee retention rates.
Our highly qualified and fully insured therapists can visit your premises in central London to provide a variety of treatments including Deep Tissue Massage, Remedial Massage, Reflexology, ChairMassage, and Face & Head Massage. These treatments can be applied to tackle a wide range of common workplace issues including tension headaches and various aches and pains caused by poor posture.
As we take care of all bookings and administration, there’s no additional work for any member of staff, and we offer an A+ rated business service at highly competitive prices.
For more details about how our remedial on-site program can help your staff to be healthier and more productive, click here.
Alternatively you can visit us in one of our A to Zen massage therapy clinic in the City of London.
3) TRY ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils have long been used in natural and holistic healing and they can be used to help alleviate the onset of tension headaches. Of course, you must choose the type and fragrance of oil carefully so that it soothes the pain being experienced.
Peppermint is a cooling, soothing essential oil which is known to have pain relieving properties. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and contains menthol, which helps muscles to relax, thereby lessening the feeling of the tension headache.
Wintergreen is also traditionally considered to be a pain reliever. It has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties which are also thought to help with muscle and bone pain.
Basil essential oil can be used to relieve muscle aches and pains while Frankincense, though traditionally associated with Christmas is valued for its sedative effect, which may help to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the pain of a tension headache.
We recommend Doterra pure essential oils - if you’re interested in learning more about incorporating them into your self-care routine, get in touch to arrange a Aromatherapy massage.
For more information about A to Zen Therapies, to view our range of professional massage services or to make a booking, just get in touch. We’re here to help you discover a natural, drug-free and stress-busting alternative to a variety of common issues.
Next Post: Would you like to know more about Essential oils and how to use Peppermint in a variety of surprising ways? Stay tuned and you'll discover it next week :)
Thanks for reading our blog! Hope you found this helpful!
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by sharing it to a friend :-)
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO ADD? Please Leave your comments below!
In need of an effective Lower Back pain treatment? Want to stay injury free during your Marathon Training plan?
Are you asking yourself "how can I relax and improve my stress management?”
Looking for a safe treatment to combat pregnancy & postnatal depression?
Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered! Book a treatment with us!
