Severe pain in head

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi , I often have pain in my head.It starts from just above left ear and then goes to full head and body.It is severe pain.It usually lasts upto 2-3 hrs.But last time it was upto 10 hrs. Please guide me..

Dear Shalendra: Your description most likely correspond to a  tension headache. Tension-type headache is one of the most common reasons why over-the-counter analgesics are purchased. The exact cause is unknown, but sustained contraction of the muscles of neck, face and scalp may contribute to cause the pain. Potential triggers include the following: Stress, depression, anxiety, poor posture, jaw clenching, working in awkward position or holding the same position for a long time. The treatment of tension type headaches ranges from nonpharmacologic therapies to simple and combination analgesic medications.

i) Simple analgesics and NSAIDS : like aspirin, acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, naproxen acn be takin to reduce symptoms of headaches.

ii) Nonpharmological measures : Rest, ice packs or a long, hot shower may be all you need to relieve a tension headache, but if these are not enough try some of these suggestions:  manage your stress level (relax techniques, meditation); Applying heat or ice to sore muscles may ease a tension headache. Additionally, living a healthy lifestyle , meaning  getting enough sleep, not smoking, exercising regularly and eating healthy foods , may help prevent tension headaches.