Spasms, pressure and tightness in the head may occur due to a host of reasons. It may even be a warning sign of certain ailments / disorders in the body. More often than not, it is stress that is causing the muscle spasms; here’s a list of medical conditions that may be responsible for muscle spasms and tightness in the head.
- Nerve impingement in the neck: You will suffer from distressing symptoms if a nerve gets compressed. An impinged nerve in the neck sets off pain in the neck and the base of the skull. The pain may radiate upwards.
- Tension headaches: Characteristically, you will feel a ‘band’ of tightness around the eyes or over the eyes. You may experience ‘a weight on the top of the head’. Your head, neck and shoulder region become stiff.
- Panic attacks: Muscle spasms and head pain can occur during a panic attack. There will be muscle stiffness, tingling, tightness of the scalp and giddiness.
- Fibromyalgia: Is characterized by pain and stiffness in the muscles.
Symptoms: Typically, you will experience a sensation of tightness, stiffness and pressure in the head. The neck feels stiff too. Sometimes, it may radiate down the back. There may be heaviness and pain in the eyes as well. Associated features include – giddiness, fatigue, nausea and lassitude.
Natural Remedies For Muscle Spasms In Head
- Tightness and muscle spasms in the head may occur due to various medical conditions, thus, you need to confer with your health care provider for a correct diagnosis. Your doctor will order blood tests and imaging scans to establish the cause. Once the underlying medical condition has been ascertained, you can start the most optimal treatment option. Stick to the regimen given to you and go for regular follow ups.
- In case the condition is triggered by stress, anxiety, or hypertension, you need to consider lifestyle-related changes.
- Regularly, perform relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi or meditation to get back your tranquility and peace.
- Soak your feet in warm water every night before going to bed; it helps melt away stress.
- Aromatherapy has proved to be very effective; use peppermint essential oil. Place a few drops on a cotton swab and hold under your nose for a few minutes. Other essential oils that afford relief are – Ginger oil, Lavender oil and Bergamot oil. These make you feel calm and relaxed, ease tightness and battle stress successfully.
- Ginger tea is an excellent natural remedy to manage muscle spasms.
- Massage and deep breathing techniques ease stress, anxiety and panic effectively.
- Exercises play a pivotal role in managing muscle spasms. Perform simple neck rotations – clockwise and anti-clockwise, 2 to 3 rounds. It quickly allays spasms and stiffness; ensure that you make it a part of your daily routine. Another beneficial exercise is – sit or stand erect, clasp your hands behind your back, and let your head drop forwards, with your chin pointing toward your left armpit first and then towards the right armpit. Stretch for 30 seconds both sides and release.