Tension headaches are caused by tightening of the muscles of the neck, head and face which either compresses nerves or blood vessels resulting in pain and pressure. The pain of a tension headache is usually a constant or intermittant dull ache accompanied by a feeling of pressure. It often starts at the back of the head or the forehead and spreads over the entire head. Relief of the muscle tension will relieve the headache.
Conventional treatment includes analgesics, sometimes with tranquilizers to help relax tension.
Natural treatment includes relaxation therapy, massage, physical therapy and chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation to relax muscles and correct underlying skeletal misalignments. Supplementation of calcium and magnesium will help to increase muscle relaxation.