| | | | | brain. |
| Did you know that a tension migraine is much more | | | | |
| likely to occur during the middle of the day than any | | | | Imagine what someone who looks tense and stressed |
| other time? Whatever causes you stress has a | | | | out does with their body. They clench their fists, put |
| likelihood of happening during the middle of the day | | | | their head down (neck and shoulders contracted), |
| when you are active and maybe away from the | | | | tighten their chest, and probably have a scowl or |
| comforts of your own home. Regardless of the trigger, | | | | tightness to their expression. |
| the mechanics of all tension migraines have some | | | | |
| things in common: stress. | | | | Now imagine what someone relaxed and enjoying |
| | | | | themselves looks like. If they are laughing they may |
| How does your body react to stress? Does your | | | | throw their head back. They will appear more loose all |
| neck get tense? If so, this is where your tension | | | | over. Perhaps they are smiling. They will definitely |
| migraines begin. When your neck and shoulder | | | | breathe much easier than the tense person. |
| muscles get tense and clench up the flow of blood | | | | my point is that by being aware of your body and |
| and oxygen to your brain is restricted. It stands to | | | | controlling its reactions when you feel the beginning of |
| reason that controlling your breathing and relaxing your | | | | a tension headache you may be able to stop it or at |
| neck and back can provide some tension migraine | | | | least weaken it by changing how you are holding |
| relief. | | | | yourself. If you have a hard time relaxing on purpose |
| | | | | you can pull the tension out of your body by stretching |
| The next time you feel a tension migraine coming on | | | | your neck, back, and shoulders. The more loose you |
| do this: lean your head back and breathe. This \"head | | | | are, obviously the less tense you are, so anything you |
| back\" position loosens your neck and upper shoulder | | | | can to do let it all slip away will go a long wy towards |
| muscles. If those muscles aren\'t tense you will stay | | | | preventing a tension migraine. |
| more relaxed and not impair the blood flow to your | | | | |