Tension headache – Headache muscle contraction – HDN

Tension Headache (Muscle Contraction Headache; Tension-Type Headache)

What is a tension headache?

Tension headache refers to the types of headaches, associated with stress and muscle contractions. These headaches may occur only occasionally in response to a stressful event. They may also be chronic, frequent (Chronic tension-type headache). Some tension headaches are nearly constant, with bouts of pain daily, which may vary in intensity.

Tension headache – causes

Tension headaches may occur, when the muscles of the neck, face and head cut, causing pain. The exact cause of this reduction is unknown. Factors, which can lead to tension headaches include:

• Stress;
• Anxiety disorder;
• Depression;
• Eyestrain;
• Poor posture;
• Injuries or arthritis of the neck;
• Diseases of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ);
• Chemical imbalances in the brain.

Risk factors for tension headaches

Factors, that may increase the risk of tension headaches include:

• Depression;
• Alarm;
• Paul: female;
• Severe clenching;
• Sleep apnea;
• Medication;
• Sleep Disorders;
• Physical inactivity;
• Overweight;
• Smoking.

Tension headache – symptoms

Symptoms of tension headaches usually gradually intensified.

Symptoms include:

• Constant, steady pain and pressure;
• Blunt pain;
• The pain is felt on both sides of the head, forehead, temples and neck;
• Maybe the feeling of compressive pain around the head;
• The intensity of pain varies from mild to severe and can vary during the day;
• Tension in the muscles of the head and neck.

Headaches can become so severe and permanent, that can interfere with the normal life and sleep.

Tension headache – diagnostics

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The cause of a headache can be quite difficult to determine.

Tests may include:

• Neurological examination;
• Blood tests;
• X-rays of the neck – test, which uses X-rays, to take a picture of bones of the body;
• CT scan – X-ray views, wherein the computer is used, to take pictures of structures inside the head;
• MRT – examination, which uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer, to make pictures of structures inside the head.

Tension headache – treatment – Removing tension headache

Tension headache is manageable (You can remove the symptoms), but not treated. The goal of therapy is to relieve headaches and reduce the frequency of future episodes.
Treatment for tension headaches may include:

Medication during tension headaches

Medications to relieve tension headaches may include:

• Painkillers tablets, otpuskaemыe without prescription – too frequent use of certain medications may itself cause headaches. Pain medications are most effective at the first sign of pain and before its gain;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants;
• Drugs for preventing headache, if you suffer from daily tension headaches;
• Antidepressants, even if you are not suffering from clinical depression;
• Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox).

Self-help during the attack tension headaches

Self-help may include:

• Recreation;
• Cold or warm (depending on the efficiency) compress to the head or neck, to ease the discomfort;
• Warm Shower – Water relieves muscle tension;
• Massage the temples and neck;
• Learn relaxation techniques.

Lifestyle changes during tension headaches

Lifestyle changes may include:

• Regular exercise;
• Improved posture;
• Dream Vacation;
• Outages;
• Learning to practice stress management techniques and relaxation techniques;
• Counseling:
• Develop new coping skills headaches;
• Determination of the reasons, that cause headaches, and work to eliminate them.

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of tension-type headache

Additional treatments may include:

• Acupuncture – Acupuncture can help reduce the intensity of the headache;
• Physiotherapy – a physical therapist can help learn the exercises, can reduce the duration and intensity of headaches;
• Massage – to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders.

If you are diagnosed with tension headache, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Tension headache – prevention

You can reduce the likelihood of tension headaches, learning, how to cope with stress. Try using the following methods:

• Keep a diary, Noting, when having headaches, and what you did, before they started;
• Learn to recognize, that provokes tension headache;
• Prevent or minimize the occurrence of stressful situations;
• Take frequent breaks during long walks;
• Take some time for enjoyable activities, Hobby classes;
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and focusing on pleasant things;
• Find Out, how to overcome difficult or stressful situation;
• Take time to chat with friends;
• Go to bed on time and get enough sleep at night;
• Exercise regularly;
• Do not slouch;
• Hold the phone in your hand, instead of pressing it against the shoulder, or use headphones.