Treating Tension Headache - Tension Headache: Headaches Migraines

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Treating tension headache

The muscle tightness that characterizes tension headache is often difficult to reverse, and few drug options are available. OTC analgesics and even prescription pain relievers usually prove inadequate at treating tension headaches and may actually worsen the situation by turning an occasional problem into a chronic one. That's because both OTC and prescription pain relievers target only the symptom of tension headache (pain), without addressing the underlying cause (muscle contraction). Rely too much on pain relievers, and you may find that your tension headaches gradually increase in frequency. To make matters worse, frequent use of pain relievers (taking them more than two days a week, especially those containing caffeine) may make other medications less effective at relieving your tension headaches. Thus, the best way to stop the pain of tension headache is to target its major cause: muscle contraction.

Muscle relaxants

A fast-acting but short-lived muscle relaxant such as carisoprodol (Soma, Vanadom) or metaxalone (Skelaxin) can loosen head and neck muscles (see Table 3). While these medications don't relieve pain any more effectively than OTC analgesics, they do address the cause of the tension headache.

Despite their name, these drugs don't directly relax tense muscles. They slow the functioning of your central nervous system, creating an overall calming effect. They work quickly, taking effect within 15–30 minutes, but the effects last only 3–4 hours. Still, such medications typically outlast the usual tension headache, which rarely continues for more than a few hours.

Unlike some muscle relaxants, carisoprodol and metaxalone generally don't produce tolerance (the need for increasingly larger doses to obtain the same effect), but they may cause drowsiness and fatigue, which, in turn, can impair mental and physical functioning. Thus, avoid driving, operating heavy equipment, or performing other hazardous tasks while taking these medications. Muscle relaxants aren't recommended for people with liver or kidney disease or a history of dependency.

Last updated:	September 05, 2008