Usually of tension headaches, the culprits are tension, stress, and depression. If you have mood disorders or other emotional distress, you will need to treat these conditions for maximum benefit. If you treat the stress, tension and depression, your headache treatment will be more effective.

There are many triggers for tension headaches. Yours may not be obvious, or they may be readily identifiable. Obviously stress is the biggest trigger for these headaches. You may also have depression and anxiety as a trigger for your headache. But there are several other triggers that are not as obvious.

If you have a change in your sleep routine, or are not getting the sleep you need, that may be triggering your headaches. It is recommended that an adult get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Your body needs that to rejuvenate and rest. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time. Keeping your sleep routine consistent will lessen the chances of triggering tension headaches.

Have a healthy diet plan. Do not skip meals. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and stick with lean meat, poultry, or fish. Breakfast is the most important meal! Don’t skip it! It fuels your cells for the balance of the day! If you are gong to have a big meal, eat it in the morning instead of evening. It is healthier and you will have time to work off the calories. It also speeds up your metabolism!

Another trigger is poor posture, or working in awkward positions, or staying in one position for a long time. This causes the muscles to tighten and can create a tension headache. Remember to keep your back straight while sitting or standing. Don’t slump, not only does it look unprofessional, it also creates tension in your muscles.

Lack of physical exercise can also be a trigger for tension headaches. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress or tension and reduce the risk of developing a headache. Start slowly and continue to add more time to your exercise program. Walk around the block, dance while doing the housework, or take a stroll through the mall. Even a little exercise will help reduce stress and tension.

Other medications you are taking for either headaches or for other medical conditions may cause headaches. Depression and high blood pressure medications may cause tension headaches. Many times the overuse of a headache medication can trigger another headache.

Occasionally a tension headache can be related to hormone changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and often during menopause. If you are using hormone replacement therapy, or taking birth control pills, this may also trigger a headache. If you know you are prone to hormone related headaches, you may want to take preventive measures a few days before you start your cycle.

Some people report they are feeling tense, stressed or hungry before they get a headache. Also, headaches can be triggered by a fall or blow to the head. You can also trigger a headache by clenching or grinding your teeth. You may also suffer from tension headaches if you have sore or inflamed joints, especially around the head or shoulders.

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