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Treatment of a tension-type headache involves efforts to modify its underlying causes. Two essential approaches are to reduce stress situations and to adopt better posture.
Since the pain is not very severe, drug therapy is usually unnecessary. However, if headache episodes become more frequent and discomforting, nonprescription analgesics can be used. Most of these preparations belong to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They do not contain cortisone and have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. They can, however, produce gastric side effects. The most common active principles used in NSAIDs are: acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol. Of these, aspirin is the most common. It possesses good analgesic and antipyretic properties and is well-tolerated, except in people who are allergic to the substance.
Alternatively, muscle relaxants can be used. These drugs reduce muscle contractions. If the headache is caused by stress, anxiolytics can be used to calm muscles.
Tension-type headaches can also be treated with alternative cures. There are many non-drug methods that can help relieve pain, such as relaxation and massage techniques, and they attempt to get to the root of the problem by eliminating or reducing muscle and nervous tension. In addition, acupuncture, biofeedback training and various forms of massage, such as shiatsu, are often used as therapy.
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