Renee (and others), all I can say is ICE! Ice works wonders for headaches. I get both tension headaches and migraines and ice helps both. I try not to medicate the headaches b/c it can just lead to rebound headaches and creates a vicious cycle.
I saw someone mention chocolate, I'd test that out with small portions b/c chocolate for some people works good to fight headaches and some people it can contribute or worsen headaches.
Also, peppermint oil on the temples helps to relieve tension headaches on me. What I do when I get tension headaches is this:
First, I rub some peppermint oil into my temples
Second, after the pepermint oil, I heat up the tub and soak in the tub (or shower) while the peppermint oil works its magic. This helps relax muscles that can tense up B/C you have a tension headache, which can in turn prolong a tension headache and create a vicious cycle that way. I sometimes use lavendar or chamomille scented bath oil or bubble bath or burn a candle in those scents as they help me relax.
Third: after the bath, I get an ice pack and lay down with the pack wrapped around my head and on my temples. The ice pack I have is meant for tension headaches and picked it up at the drug store out here called Eckerds. It's a long ice pack, about the lenth of the circumfrence of an average sized head, and comes with a blue sleeve that you can velcro closed around your head. I'm not sure about the cost, but it must not have been too bad if I could afford it, and actually I have 2, 1 at home, 1 at work.
Good luck!
-------------------- Erin
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IBS-D, GERD...
I got it comin' outta 1 end or the other!
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Re: Any advice for tension headaches?
