The neurologist, Oleksiy Pelepeychenko, indicated that discomfort in the temples following work hours frequently arises from muscle strain and might intensify as the week progresses. He underscored the necessity of excluding other reasons, like high blood pressure, and cautioned against treating oneself without consulting a doctor.
The sensation of tightness in the temples after a workday, escalating to an almost customary ache by Friday, is a common experience. However, it could signify a critical signal from the body. Oleksiy Pelepeychenko, chief physician at a private clinic and neurologist, provided detailed insights to the UNN journalist regarding the origins of such discomfort, scenarios warranting vigilance, and self-care measures.
Pain in the temples after work
As per the physician, temple discomfort frequently stems from overburdened muscles. This issue may even diminish one’s overall wellness.
“When individuals mention a cephalalgia concentrated in the temples, it typically signifies a muscle-related discomfort, not a true headache. It manifests as a pressing, steady sensation reminiscent of a crown of thorns. This ailment is categorized as tension headache or tension-type cephalalgia. Typically, it is triggered by heightened visual demands, such as protracted computer use, emotional strain, and excessive intake of caffeine or stimulating agents,” the neurologist clarified.
Oleksiy Pelepeychenko pointed out that a distinctive attribute of this type of discomfort is its predictable schedule, intensifying during the week and diminishing on weekends.
“These sensations may arise multiple times per week and, on occasion, persist for extended durations. They frequently peak between Tuesday and Friday, with improvement noted on weekends as individuals rest. However, diagnosing a tension headache requires ruling out alternative causes. It’s crucial to ensure the absence of arterial hypertension or other underlying conditions,” stated the chief physician of a private clinic.
Is temple pain related to pressure?
According to the neurologist, not all instances of this symptom suggest hypertension. Therefore, avoiding self-diagnosis remains vital.
“Discomfort in the temples isn’t always correlated with elevated or reduced blood pressure levels. Upon a patient’s complaint, the physician eliminates arterial hypertension, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and elevated blood sugar. We gather a medical background before deciding on subsequent investigative steps. There’s no reason to be alarmed; determining the cause is essential,” Oleksiy Pelepeychenko stressed.
Nevertheless, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These encompass abrupt, severe discomfort distinct from the norm.
“A change in the nature of the discomfort, an increase in severity, presence of vomiting, or speech impairments constitutes an alert. A “thunderclap headache”, akin to lightning strikes, may occur. This could be indicative of a hemorrhagic stroke, ruptured aneurysm, or vascular malformation. In such instances, prompt medical intervention is essential,” the neurologist highlighted.
What to do if pain in the temples has already appeared?
So, what actions can be taken if the discomfort has already manifested? Initially, prioritizing rest and avoiding excessive exertion is essential. Furthermore, the neurologist advises against unregulated use of combination analgesics.
“Rest and a single-ingredient pain reliever can aid in alleviating the discomfort. Combination drugs containing several components should be avoided. Most typically, these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which present contraindications, for instance, peptic ulcer disease and asthma. Primarily, avoiding systematic and unregulated usage is key,” stated the chief physician of a private clinic.
What you should know to avoid harming yourself when treating a headache
Furthermore, overuse of analgesics may induce an “overuse” headache. Hence, an attempt to ease symptoms might inadvertently exacerbate the issue.
“Analgesic overuse headaches are those caused by protracted analgesic consumption. A risk emerges if an individual ingests 10 or more tablets monthly for a period of three months. Incorrect management may sustain chronic pain independently. Therefore, self-treatment certainly isn’t the most advisable course of action,” Oleksiy Pelepeychenko explained.
The neurologist also advised prudence with self-administered temple massage. While it might temporarily alleviate the situation, there’s a risk of amplifying symptoms through trigger zone irritation. Consulting a specialist who will ascertain the underlying reason for the discomfort and determine a safe course of therapy, according to Oleksiy Pelepeychenko, is optimal.
WARNING! The material is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about health problems, please consult a doctor.