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 experts do not believe that muscle contractions cause this pain, sufferers often report that it feels this way. Symptoms include dull, aching pain and a feeling of pressure or tightness across the forehead or on the back and sides of the head. Shoulder muscles, the neck, and the scalp may become tender and some people lose their appetite when the pain sets in. The condition may last only 30 minutes or as long as a week.
Severity of pain is variable among patients and even from one headache to the next. Some patients report only infrequent episodes while others experience this type of headache almost constantly. If the condition occurs for more than half the days each month and for three months or longer, it is considered chronic. Otherwise, it is labeled episodic. Patients suffering from frequent episodic tension headaches are at increased risk of becoming chronic sufferers.
It can be difficult to distinguish this condition from a migraine. The main 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 aggravate the pain as it does with a migraine. Though sensitivity to sound our light may occur, it is not a common symptom.
Depression, stress, anxiety, poor posture, and clenching the jaw can trigger the pain. Common explanations of cause involve irritation of nerve projections to the head exhibited as heightened sensitivity to pain. If the condition becomes disruptive to the lifestyle but can be tolerated as far as pain level it is usually not considered an emergency. However emergency attention is advisable if the pattern or feeling of the pain changes. A severe headache can, on significant occasions, be an indication of a serious 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 experts do not believe that muscle contractions cause this pain, sufferers often report that it feels this way. Symptoms include dull, aching pain and a feeling of pressure or tightness across the forehead or on the back and sides of the head. Shoulder muscles, the neck, and the scalp may become tender and some people lose their appetite when the pain sets in. The condition may last only 30 minutes or as long as a week.
Severity of pain is variable among patients and even from one headache to the next. Some patients report only infrequent episodes while others experience this type of headache almost constantly. If the condition occurs for more than half the days each month and for three months or longer, it is considered chronic. Otherwise, it is labeled episodic. Patients suffering from frequent episodic tension headaches are at increased risk of becoming chronic sufferers.
It can be difficult to distinguish this condition from a migraine. The main 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 aggravate the pain as it does with a migraine. Though sensitivity to sound our light may occur, it is not a common symptom.
Depression, stress, anxiety, poor posture, and clenching the jaw can trigger the pain. Common explanations of cause involve irritation of nerve projections to the head exhibited as heightened sensitivity to pain. If the condition becomes disruptive to the lifestyle but can be tolerated as far as pain level it is usually not considered an emergency. However emergency attention is advisable if the pattern or feeling of the pain changes. A severe headache can, on significant occasions, be an indication of a serious 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 how to be healthy. Are you looking for Pittsburgh North Hills chiropractic? Get more information about chiropractic Pittsburgh North Hills
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