Relaxation techniques reduces headaches

Relaxation techniques might help teenagers to fight off frequent migraines or tension headaches. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway found that after learning relaxation techniques from nurses, school psychologists and therapists many students reported fewer headaches and less intense headaches, up to 10 months later. Students with migraines only responded when therapists taught them, but students with tension headaches responded to relaxation teachings by both graduate students and school nurses. Frequent, recurring headaches are one of the most common health problems among adolescents. Studies show that teenagers with frequent headaches take more analgesic medicines and are more likely to have physical, social and psychological problems that arise in day-to-day activities. Recent studies have suggested that relaxation therapy may help teens reduce their headaches. To investigate further researchers reviewed information collected from 7 studies, which followed 288 students between the ages of 10 and 18 years for 6-10 months. During the studies, students were either trained in general relaxation techniques or techniques to deal specifically with headaches, or asked to talk about day-to-day problems, without receiving any instructions about headaches. Students who underwent relaxation training reported fewer headaches and less severe headache pain. In addition, students with tension headaches who were trained by therapists reported taking fewer medications. The researchers conclude that relaxation training from therapists was clearly most effective in helping teens avoid headaches, but asking a school nurse to administer the relaxation training was most cost-effective. The findings suggest that relaxation-training procedures administered within school settings may provide effective and efficient help to adolescents suffering from long-standing and frequent headaches.