Tension headache: causes, symptoms and treatment

This type of headache is caused by tension problems in various muscle groups.

Tension headache is a common ailment.We even tend to downplay its importance when it occurs, unless it is a very intense and persistent pain, it is unusual for people to take measures to avoid this type of ailment.

With regard to headaches, tension headache is the most common type that exists. In this article we will see what this ailment consists of, what are its characteristics and main causes, the differences with other types of headaches, as well as its diagnosis and specific treatments.in addition to its diagnosis and specific treatments.

What is tension headache?

The tension headache is about a continuous pain around the headIt is as if the subject has a very tight elastic band around his skull. This pain usually affects mainly the lower part of the head, such as the upper nape of the neck, and also the sides and eye area.

The intensity and frequency of this type of headache is variable, but usually the occurrence of this experience is related to habits and actions performed in the hours or minutes prior to the onset of this discomfort.

Often the symptoms depend on the stress levels of the subject, and when it occurs it usually lasts for a long time.When it occurs, it usually lasts between thirty minutes to two hours.

Characteristics of this type of headache

Tension headache is characterized mainly by a picture of tension in specific areas of the body that trigger the headache. The areas of the body where pressure generates this type of headache are as follows.

• Scalp.
• Head.
• Face.
• Neck.
• Shoulders.

When it happens that the muscles of these areas contract as a result of tension, oftentension, many times a tension headache is generated. However, it is not known for sure if this is the only cause of this type of headache, and most likely there are many more factors and variables at play.

The prevalence of this condition occurs mostly in adults, especially women. The following is an overview of its main causes.

Main causes

States of stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma to the skull are the most commonly recorded causes of tension headaches. Some of these causes may be hereditary in nature.which would generate predisposition.

With the passage of time, certain specific jobs can produce tension headache in people. Especially those jobs where it is required to remain in front of a computer for a long time.

Laboratory work, where it is necessary to use a microscope for a long time, can also cause this type of headache, as well as other jobs where the person has to make a considerable visual effort for a long time. a considerable visual effort for a long time.

The position of the neck has a direct influence on headaches, maintaining an atypical position while sitting or sleeping will cause our neck to be loaded with muscle tension, which will inevitably trigger headache pain.

Risky habits

The Biological habits associated with this type of headache are the following: frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, excessive caffeine during the day (or no caffeine at all) and exaggerated cigarette smoking.

The habit of constant teeth grinding. can also cause the subject to present tension headache, due to the tension generated in the muscles of the neck and face.

Differences with other similar discomforts.

As we have seen above there are different types of headaches, and each of them has its own characteristics. The most significant difference is the area where the greatest amount of tension is felt in the head..

In migraine headaches, a sharp pain usually appears on one side of the front of the head, while in tension headache the discomfort is less intense and appears in the back of the head. the discomfort is less intense and appears around the head.. On the other hand, in the headache produced by cervical problems, the pain appears in the back of the skull, behind the crown of the head.

Other less frequent types of headaches are headaches due to physical exertion, sexual intercourse and cryostimulus. In these types of headache the cause does not respond to emotional or organic origins, but rather to specific situations that cause discomfort.

Diagnosis

By means of a semi-structured interview, the patient is asked to describe his or her headache, classifying the levels on a scale according to the intensity and frequency in which it occurs. In addition, an electroencephalogram an electroencephalogram is usually required to rule out any very specific organic cause if the pain is very severe. very specific if the pain is very intense or frequent.

Treatments

Once the diagnosis is made, the best treatment to control or eliminate headaches is determined, which is adapted in each case taking into account the characteristics of the person and his or her habits. In many occasions cognitive behavioral therapy is used, to identify and modify the negative thoughts that generate stress and anxiety in the subject..

When the headache is acute and intense, the most advisable thing to do would be to take some medication to calm it down; ibuprofen is one of the most frequent drugs in these circumstances, and its use must be prescribed by the doctor. Under no circumstances should we self-medicate, as the consequences can be worse, from nosebleeds to kidney problems.

Some things we can do to prevent headaches in our lives are the following:

• Stay away from stressful factors..
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid using electronic devices before going to sleep.

Bibliographic references:

• Bronfort, G., et al. (2004). Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3): CD001878.
• Greenberg D, Aminoff M, Simon R (2012). Clinical Neurology 8/E:Chapter 6. Headache & Facial Pain. McGraw Hill Professional.
• Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS): The International Classification of Headache Disorders,3rd edition. Cephalalgia, 33(9): pp. 629 - 808.
• Loder, E.; Rizzoli, P. (2008). Tension-type headache. BMJ. 336(7635): pp. 88 - 92.
• Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (2008). Diagnosis and management of headache in adults. Edinburgh: NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.