By: Hello Doctor Updated 29 Apr 2022, 18: 01 pm EDT
Tension headache is the most common type of headache.
Those who suffer from it describe it as the sensation of wearing a very tight band around the head, to the point that it makes it difficult to carry out different daily activities. Here we will look at why this problem occurs, how it differs from other headaches, and what can be done to alleviate it.
What are the causes of tension headache
Although tension headache is the most common type of headache, its causes are not yet fully understood.
It used to be thought that it was due to muscular contractions in the face, neck and scalp, without However, recent research has challenged this idea.
Currently, the most accepted theory is that people who suffer from tension headache may have a more sensitized pain system. The triggers for this type of headache are many:
- Consume alcohol or caffeine in excess.
- Any activity that forces the head to maintain a single position for a long time.
- Sleeping in cold rooms or with the neck in an abnormal position.
- Suffer from colds, flu or sinus infections.
- Withstand constant exposure to physical or emotional stress.
- Being fatigued or undergoing excessive effort.
- Having dental problems, such as a very tight jaw or teeth grinding.
- Sinus headache : pain usually occurs behind the forehead and/or cheekbones.
- Cluster headache : pain occurs in and around one eye.
- Migraine: the pain, which is usually concentrated on one side of the fall, is accompanied by nausea and visual changes.
- Food and drinks that help calm the headache
- Occasional: headaches can last 30 minutes, and occur less than 15 days per month, for at least three months.
- Chronic: Headaches last for hours and can be constant. 15 days or more occur in a month, for at least three months.
- Magnetic resonance imaging: Combines a magnetic field, radio waves, and computer technology to produce clear images.
- Computed tomography: is an imaging procedure that uses a series of computer-directed X-rays to provide a complete image of the brain.
- Description of pain: The doctor will ask if the pain is constant and dull, or sharp and stabbing; if it allows activities during its presence, or where it is located on the head.
- Triptans and narcotics : These are rarely used due to their side effects and the possibility of generate dependency.
- Combination drugs: Certain drugs, such as aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) or both, are often combined with caffeine or a sedative drug in a single medication. These types of combination medications can be more effective than single-ingredient pain relievers.
- Controlling stress: take time to relax, plan and organize your day in advance.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy diet : rich in fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes.
- Correct Posture: This will help prevent the muscles from tense. As you stand up, keep your shoulders back and your head level, draw in your core and buttocks. When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor and your head is not hunched forward.
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- Biofeedback training: techniques that They serve to control certain body responses and help reduce pain.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy : helps to learn to control stress and reduce the frequency and severity of pain head.
- Other relaxation techniques: yoga, deep breathing, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, are techniques that promote relaxation and reduce the risk of headaches.
- Get enough sleep every day, if possible at regular times .
- No Smoking.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
What symptoms does it cause
There are many types of headaches that are differentiated by the area in which pain or discomfort occurs:
On the other hand, tension headache is characterized by causing a dull pain, similar to pressure around the head, although it also it can be focused on a point or on the scalp. In turn, tension headache can be:
How is a tension headache
If you present any of the symptoms described above, you should consult a doctor. This may use different tests and tests to detect the type and cause of headaches:
What treatments are there for tension headaches
Fortunately, there are many options to relieve the discomfort caused by a tension headache. For example, a health professional may recommend the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications:
Pain relievers : aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), among others .
Despite their effectiveness, Experts warn that the repeated use of this type of medication (mainly when they are without a prescription) can cause other types of headaches. Therefore, a highly recommended treatment to relieve headache pain is to make lifestyle changes, mainly:
You can also resort to applying cold (wrapping ice or using a compress) or heat (using heating pads or hot towels) in the sore areas of the head.
Alternative medicine is also often seen as an option to relieve pain caused by headaches. There is evidence that indicates that techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy or deep breathing can be used with positive results as a complement to medical treatments to relieve headaches.
Although all these treatments are very effective in relieving headaches tension, experts highlight the importance of working on the prevention of headaches. To do this, keep in mind:
Health professionals also advise:
Health risks
Normally, tension headaches respond well to medical treatment, if However, if these are not treated, they can cause different problems in the long run, such as affecting job performance and quality of life in general.
Cases of tension-type headache
It is difficult to determine the number of headaches that occur each year, due to the fact that they are not usually recognized correctly, are underestimated or because a large part of those affected resort to self-medication to relieve pain, without leaving a record of this condition.
However, it is estimated that almost half of the adults in the world have suffered from headache at least once a year. In turn, only a minority of people who suffer from it receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Sources consulted: American Psychiatric Association, US National Library of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, World Health Organization (WHO), Organization Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).