Tension headaches are characterized by a mild to moderate level of pain that feels like a tight band has been placed around the head. In medical circles, this is called a tension-type headache and though it is the most common type of headache experienced, there is little knowledge of what causes it. Effective treatments are available and include several different approaches.
Though healthcare experts don't believe that muscle contractions cause this pain, sufferers often report that as though it feels this way. Symptoms include dull, aching pain and a feeling of pressure or tightness across the frontal area, back and temples of the head. The tops of the shoulders, the neck, and even the scalp may become sensitive and some people have appetite loss when the pain sets in. The condition may last only half an hour or as long as a week.
Intensity of pain varies greatly between patients and even from one headache to the next. Some patients report only periodic onset while others experience this type of headache nearly constantly. If the headaches occur for at least 15 days each month for three months or longer, it then becomes a condition that is considered chronic. Otherwise, the condition is labeled episodic. Those suffering from frequent episodic tension headaches are of increased chance of becoming chronic.
Distinguishing between this condition and a migraine may be difficult. A significant difference is that a tension-type headache is not usually associated with nausea, visual disturbances, slurred speech, numbness or weakness of one side of the body, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Physical activity also does not typically aggravate the discomfort as it does with a migraine. Sensitivity to sound or light is not common as in the case of migraine headache.
Stress, anxiety, depression, clenching the jaw, and poor posture can trigger the pain. Common theories regarding a cause involve interference of nerve pathways to the brain exhibited as heightened sensitivity to pain. If the condition becomes disruptive to the lifestyle or requires taking medication more than two times in a week, consultation with a medical professional is recommended. Medical attention is also advisable if the pattern or feeling of the pain changes. A headache can sometimes be an indication of a serious medical problem such as an aneurysm or brain tumor.
Extremely sensitive, overactive pain receptors in the body may lead to muscle tenderness that many headache sufferers experience. Good posture is imperative as it can help reduce tension of the muscles, and other soft tissue like tendons, and ligaments. Proper posture normalizes and protects the entire body and allows for efficient movement. Chiropractic care to the upper cervical spine (which are the top bones of the neck) has been shown to relieve irritated joints and nerves that may contribute to this condition.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics treated patients suffering from tension headaches with six weeks of medication or chiropractic care. Both groups reported reduced headache frequency and intensity. The patients treated with chiropractic care experienced fewer side effects and noted continued relief after the conclusion of the treatment. The patients who took the medication reported that their headache pain had returned.
Though healthcare experts don't believe that muscle contractions cause this pain, sufferers often report that as though it feels this way. Symptoms include dull, aching pain and a feeling of pressure or tightness across the frontal area, back and temples of the head. The tops of the shoulders, the neck, and even the scalp may become sensitive and some people have appetite loss when the pain sets in. The condition may last only half an hour or as long as a week.
Intensity of pain varies greatly between patients and even from one headache to the next. Some patients report only periodic onset while others experience this type of headache nearly constantly. If the headaches occur for at least 15 days each month for three months or longer, it then becomes a condition that is considered chronic. Otherwise, the condition is labeled episodic. Those suffering from frequent episodic tension headaches are of increased chance of becoming chronic.
Distinguishing between this condition and a migraine may be difficult. A significant difference is that a tension-type headache is not usually associated with nausea, visual disturbances, slurred speech, numbness or weakness of one side of the body, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Physical activity also does not typically aggravate the discomfort as it does with a migraine. Sensitivity to sound or light is not common as in the case of migraine headache.
Stress, anxiety, depression, clenching the jaw, and poor posture can trigger the pain. Common theories regarding a cause involve interference of nerve pathways to the brain exhibited as heightened sensitivity to pain. If the condition becomes disruptive to the lifestyle or requires taking medication more than two times in a week, consultation with a medical professional is recommended. Medical attention is also advisable if the pattern or feeling of the pain changes. A headache can sometimes be an indication of a serious medical problem such as an aneurysm or brain tumor.
Extremely sensitive, overactive pain receptors in the body may lead to muscle tenderness that many headache sufferers experience. Good posture is imperative as it can help reduce tension of the muscles, and other soft tissue like tendons, and ligaments. Proper posture normalizes and protects the entire body and allows for efficient movement. Chiropractic care to the upper cervical spine (which are the top bones of the neck) has been shown to relieve irritated joints and nerves that may contribute to this condition.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics treated patients suffering from tension headaches with six weeks of medication or chiropractic care. Both groups reported reduced headache frequency and intensity. The patients treated with chiropractic care experienced fewer side effects and noted continued relief after the conclusion of the treatment. The patients who took the medication reported that their headache pain had returned.
About the Author:
Patricia Janis Thom is an author writing about health related topics. Are you looking for Pittsburgh North chiropractic? Get more information about chiropractic Pittsburgh North.
