Just about everyone is familiar with the discomfort a headache can produce.
A tension-type headache (TTH) is generally a mild to moderate pain that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. A tension-type headache is the most common type of headache, yet its causes aren’t well understood.
Treatments for tension-type headaches are available. Managing a tension-type headache is often a balance between practicing healthy habits, finding effective nondrug treatments and using medications appropriately.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tension-type headache include:
- Dull, aching head pain
- Sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head
- Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
Tension-type headaches are divided into two main categories — episodic and chronic.
Episodic tension-type headaches
Episodic tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches may become chronic.
Chronic tension-type headaches
This type of tension-type headache lasts hours and may be continuous. If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months, they’re considered chronic.
Tension-type headaches versus migraines
Tension-type headaches can be difficult to distinguish from migraines. Plus, if you have frequent episodic tension-type headaches, you can also have migraines.
Unlike some forms of migraine, tension-type headaches usually aren’t associated with visual disturbances, nausea or vomiting. Although physical activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it doesn’t make tension-type headache pain worse. An increased sensitivity to either light or sound can occur with a tension-type headache, but this symptom isn’t common.
Tension headaches are experienced by about 74% of the population, while migraines are estimated to affect 11% of the population.
Many people suffer through more than one type of headache several times a week and have sought help from a variety of the headache medications available without success. This can be a huge problem for most people. Chronic headaches are likely to disrupt a person’s work life, social life, and family life.
Key Points to Understanding Fioricet
Fioricet is a combination prescription medication used to treat migraines and tension headaches. Keep the following key points in mind regarding Fioricet:
- Fioricet includes butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine
- Fioricet is a controlled substance and should be taken exactly as prescribed
- As a depressant, Fioricet can have side effects like feeling sluggish or drowsiness as the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, side effects can be more severe.
- Fioricet can interact with other drugs and health conditions and you should speak to a doctor if you are taking other medications, have any other health conditions or are pregnant
- Fioricet has some addictive qualities
- Misusing Fioricet can be dangerous or deadly
After spending much time and money on a myriad of medications, chronic headache sufferers often give up seeking relief. Before doing this, it might be a good idea to buy Fioricet first. Fioricet is a prescription medication that has proven to be a reliable source of relief for tension headache and migraine sufferers, even those who have tried countless other headache medications.
Fioricet is distinctive in that it combines three essential ingredients which work together to often produce excellent results. The three active ingredients are caffeine, butalbital, and acetaminophen. Caffeine works as a vasoconstrictor, and so reduces blood flow to the brain. A headache is caused when the nerves around blood vessels become aggravated by increased blood flow. Caffeine works to bring the blood vessels back to their normal size. Caffeine also tends to augment the effects of painkillers.
The barbiturate, Butalbital, creates a sense of relaxation in the body. Acetaminophen elevates the body’s pain threshold. It is found in quite a few over-the-counter headache medications, but has a significantly increased effect when combined with the other two ingredients included in Fioricet.
In order to buy Fioricet, you will need to get a prescription from a doctor first. It can then be easily obtained online or at a pharmacy. If you are ready to try Fioricet, your physician will be able to answer any questions you may have. If you have any concerns about taking this medication, your doctor will be able to determine if Fioricet is a safe option for you.
Fioricet comes in easy to take tablet form. It is typically taken every four hours as needed. Not exceeding six tablets a day is advised. After taking Fioricet, it is important not to drive or operate any heavy machinery as this medication tends to make people drowsy.
As long as instructions are followed carefully, Fioricet is an effective and safe way to relieve chronic headaches.
Prevention of Tension Headache
In addition to regular exercise, techniques such as biofeedback training and relaxation therapy can help reduce stress.
- Biofeedback training. This technique teaches you to control certain body responses that help reduce pain. During a biofeedback session, you’re connected to devices that monitor and give you feedback on body functions such as muscle tension, heart rate and blood pressure. You then learn how to reduce muscle tension and slow your heart rate and breathing yourself.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of talk therapy may help you learn to manage stress and may help reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.
- Other relaxation techniques. Anything that helps you relax, including deep breathing, yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, may help your headaches. You can learn relaxation techniques in classes or at home using books, videos or apps.
Using medications in conjunction with stress management techniques may be more effective than either treatment alone in reducing your tension-type headaches.