TENSION headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches. They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety not associated with structural changes in the brain. Overcoming depression QUR'AN “And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer).” (2:45) AHADITH In the Sahihain it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, the most Great, the most Forbearing. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of seven Heavens, the Lord of the earth and the Lord of the Honorable Throne.” “This is the supplication of those afflicted by distress, ‘O Allah! I seek your mercy. Do not make me reliant on myself for an instant, and lead all my affairs to success, there is no deity except You.” The headache pain in tension may be described as: n Dull, pressure-like (not throbbing). n A tight band or vise on the head. n All over (not just at one point or a side). n Worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck, and possibly in the shoulders. n The pain may occur as an isolated event, constantly, or daily. Pain may last for 30 minutes to 7 days. It may be triggered by or get worse with stress, fatigue, noise or incessant glare. n There may be difficulty in sleeping. Tension headaches usually do not cause nausea or vomiting. People with tension headaches tend to try to relieve pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck. Exams and tests A headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and responds to home treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing, especially if the illness is recurrent. A tension headache reveals no abnormal findings after a neurological exam. However, tender points (trigger points) in the muscles are often seen in the neck and shoulder areas. The health care provider should be consulted – to rule out other disorders – if the headache is severe, persistent (does not go away), or if other symptoms are present with the headache. Headaches that disturb sleep occur whenever one is active, or that are recurrent or chronic may require examination and treatment by a health-care provider. Hot or cold showers or baths may relieve a headache for some people. Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen may relieve pain if relaxation techniques do not work. If one is planning to take part in an activity that you know will trigger a headache, taking one of these painkillers beforehand may be helpful. Prevention Learn and practice stress management. Some people find relaxation exercises or meditation helpful. Useful tips n Keep warm if the headache is associated with cold. n Use a different pillow or change sleeping position. n Practice good posture when reading, working, or doing other activities. n Exercise the neck and shoulders frequently when typing, working on computers, or doing other close work. n Get plenty of sleep and rest. n Massaging sore muscles may also help. Like everyone else, Muslims experience depression. The Qur'an and various Ahadith offer prescriptions for the treatment of depression. Enriching one's Islamic faith, admitting responsibility for harming others, and acknowledging reality are primary ways that Muslims are encouraged to find help with the difficulties of depression. Essentially, Islamic recommendations for depression are derived from the Qur'an. Remedies “If any person suffers from a calamity and says Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (To Allah we belong and to Allah we will all return). O Allah reward me for this affliction and bless me with something better in return, then Allah in His Power and Glory will grant him relief. These du'as and verses from Qur'an that aid us in adversity are like prescriptions, insha'Allah, for the emotional sickness and turmoil we are experiencing. Allah is sufficient for me and what an excellent Guardian He is. (Bukhari) Allahumma inee ‘abduka, ibnu ‘abdeka, ibnu amateka, nasiyatee beyadika. Maadhin fi ‘hukmuka. ‘Adlun fi qadhaauka as aluka .... (O Allah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur'an the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.) Turn to natural remedies for depression. Islam recognizes the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise for physical and spiritual wellbeing. Additionally, vitamins and herbs are allowed. One may use St. John's Wort or increase B vitamins and/or myrrh to aid one's difficulties, or use aloe vera juice daily in mornings. – The writer can be contacted on [email protected] __
