Tension headache
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache that affects people worldwide. This type of headache is characterized by mild to moderate pain that feels like a pressing or squeezing sensation around the head and neck. The pain can be persistent and constant, or it can come and go in varying intensities. Many people describe the feeling as having a band around their head or a heavy feeling resting on their forehead and neck.
Tension headaches can vary in intensity and duration. Some people experience only mild discomfort that is bearable, while others may experience more significant pain that affects their ability to perform daily activities. This type of headache can occur sporadically, perhaps as a reaction to stress or poor sleep, or it can be more long-lasting and recur regularly.
Cause & common symptoms of tension headaches
Common Causes of Tension Headaches
Stress and Tension
One of the most common causes of tension headaches is stress and excessive tension, especially in the neck and shoulders. Prolonged stress can lead to muscle tension that causes headaches.
Poor Posture
Sitting or standing with poor posture for a long time can lead to overexertion of the neck and shoulder muscles, which in turn can trigger tension headaches.
Eye Strain
Working in front of a computer for long periods of time or reading in poor lighting conditions can strain the eyes and contribute to tension headaches.
Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep and overexertion can increase susceptibility to tension headaches. Not getting enough rest can affect the body’s ability to handle stress and tension.
Dehydration
Inadequate fluid intake can affect the body’s function and potentially trigger headaches, including tension headaches.
Temporomandibular joint problems
Teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint problems can cause tension in the facial and neck muscles, which in turn can lead to tension headaches.
Overuse of Painkillers
The use of painkillers, especially if done regularly and in high doses, can actually cause headaches as a side effect, known as “medication-induced headaches” or “rebound headaches.”
Environmental factors
Strong odors, smoke, or bright lights can trigger tension headaches in some individuals.
Hormonal changes
Many women experience tension headaches in conjunction with hormonal changes, especially during the menstrual cycle.
Genetic predisposition
There is some hereditary factor, and if someone in the family suffers from tension headaches, the risk of other family members also being affected may be higher.
Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of tension headaches is important for effective treatment. It is always wise to consult a doctor if you suffer from regular or persistent headaches to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Common Symptoms of Tension Headaches
Throbbing or Throbbing Pain
The headache is characterized by a mild to moderate pressing or throbbing pain around the head, usually in the forehead or back of the head.
Bilateral discomfort
The pain is usually felt on both sides of the head and may include the area above the eyes and the neck.
Mild to moderate intensity
The pain of tension headaches is usually mild to moderate and not as intense as that of migraines.
No throbbing pain
Unlike migraines, which usually have a throbbing pain, the pain of tension headaches is experienced as pressing or throbbing.
No nausea or vomiting
People who suffer from tension headaches usually do not have nausea or vomiting, which is common with migraines.
Mild sensitivity to light and sound
In general, people with tension headaches are not affected by light and sound in the same way as with migraines. However, light and sound can still be experienced as unpleasant.
Sensation of tense muscles
Many people experience a feeling of tense or sore muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Gradual onset
The pain usually develops gradually and increases over time rather than being sudden and intense.
Recurrent episodes
Tension headaches can be sporadic, with episodes occurring at different times, or they can be chronic, with regular and recurring episodes of headache.
Short duration
Many episodes of tension headaches usually last for a shorter period of time, although they can be recurrent.
It is important to note that the symptoms of tension headaches can vary between individuals and even from episode to episode.
How is tension headache treatment done?
Before we perform a treatment for tension headaches, we always do a proper examination and look at the entirety of your problem. Many times the pain you experience can originate from another or more places in the body.
The chiropractor can use various manual techniques to relieve tension and improve mobility in one or more joints and the area around your problem. This can include joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, muscle stretching, but also advice on rehabilitation training and ergonomics. If necessary, we collaborate with other healthcare providers and ensure that you receive the right type of care. Contact our chiropractor or naprapath to find out more. Book your appointment today.
