Treatments for Muscle contraction headache
Treatment list for Muscle contraction headache: The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Muscle contraction headache includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
- Hot shower
- Aspirin
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Propoxyphene - a stronger medication sometimes used.
- Codeine - a stronger medication sometimes used.
- Antidepressants
- MAO inhibitors
- Barbiturate compounds - usually for combined migraine and muscle contraction headaches.
- Biofeedback
- Relaxation training
- Counseling
- Cognitive restructuring
- Progressive relaxation therapy
- Passive relaxation
- Hot shower
- Hot pack on the back of the neck
- Cervical collars
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Gentle neck exercise
Treatments of Muscle contraction headache discussion: Treatment for muscle-contraction headache varies. The first consideration is to treat any specific disorder or disease that may be causing the headache. For example, arthritis of the neck is treated with anti-inflammatory medication and TMD may be helped by corrective devices for the mouth and jaw.1
Nondrug therapy for chronic muscle-contraction headaches includes biofeedback, relaxation training, and counseling. A technique called cognitive restructuring teaches people to change their attitudes and responses to stress. Patients might be encouraged, for example, to imagine that they are coping successfully with a stressful situation. In progressive relaxation therapy, patients are taught to first tense and then relax individual muscle groups. Finally, the patient tries to relax his or her whole body. Many people imagine a peaceful scene—such as lying on the beach or by a beautiful lake. Passive relaxation does not involve tensing of muscles. Instead, patients are encouraged to focus on different muscles, suggesting that they relax. Some people might think to themselves, Relax or My muscles feel warm.
People with chronic muscle-contraction headaches my also be helped by taking antidepressants or MAO inhibitors. Mixed muscle-contraction and migraine headaches are sometimes treated with barbiturate compounds, which slow down nerve function in the brain and spinal cord.
People who suffer infrequent muscle-contraction headaches may benefit
from a hot shower or moist heat applied to the back of the neck. Cervical
collars are sometimes recommended as an aid to good posture. Physical
therapy, massage, and gentle exercise of the neck may also be
helpful.1
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS
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