Muscle tension and headaches...

[Meanoldmummy]

Does anyone know any really effective ways of combating severe muscle tension and the resultant headaches? I try "positive relaxation", visualisation and deep breathing etc - it helps a bit. Are there other things I could try? I'm thinking mainly of you holistic bean-botherer types - you know who you are!!!

I am not an organic free range knitted mueslie type, but the most effective muscle relaxant I have ever found is swimming a very slow half mile (if you are unfit and 4 stone overweight like me) or as much as you can in one go. Swim for so long it makes your muscles shake when you get out!

i think tension headaches are caused by clenching your jaw, so maybe some chewing gum would relieve that a bit?

Thanks colditz - I do quite often realise I am tensing my jaw when I feel stressed. I suppose I ought to try the swimming too... usual whines about repulsive body and lack of childcare apply, but I could probably work round it.

I find a 2km walk is enough to stave off a headache in the first place. Maybe some Voltaren to get rid of it initially, and then go for a walk before you usually get the headache. For me that means as soon as ds is in bed.