What is a Tension Headache?
A tension headache is a headache commonly associated with tenderness and tightening of the muscles in the head and neck.  They may be considered episodic or chronic, depending on the frequency and duration of the headache.  Episodic can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days, chronic may last up to 15 days per month or total 180 days per year.  To be classified as a tension headache, two of the following symptoms must be present.  Symptoms include pressing or tightening quality on both sides of the head (a “band-like pressure” around the head), non-pulsating pain, mild to moderate intensity, not aggravated by routine activity, absence of nausea or vomiting and possible sensitivity to light or sound but not both.

Who gets Tension Headaches?
A tension headache is the most common type of headache with 69% of men and 88% of women experiencing one at some point in their lives.  They most commonly begin in adolescence or early adulthood.  They occur between the ages of 20-50 most often.

What Causes Tension Headaches?
It is commonly reported that a stressful or emotionally upsetting situation is associated with the onset of the headache.   Depression is frequently associated with these types of headaches.  It is thought that a disorder of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, etc) cause excessive sensitivity of the nerve endings in the head and neck leading to pain and tenderness.  There is no evidence that sustained contraction of the muscles of the head and neck causes a tension headache, but these muscles may be tight and tender to the touch.  Stretching/massaging these muscles may help alleviate the pain.

When is it More Than A Tension Headache?
Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of the following signs are present.  If the headache is worse, lasts longer or different than the usual symptoms, if coughing, sneezing or bearing down causes the headache, if it is accompanied by severe, unintentional weight loss, if weakness or paralysis lasts after the headache has dissipated, if it is associated with a fever or neck rigidity or loss of consciousness or if it is preceded by head trauma seek immediate medical attention!

When Should I Seek Treatment?
Headaches are never normal!  Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.  If your headache is causing you to miss work and lose pay, if it is preventing you from playing with your kids, if it is disrupting your life in any way, it is time to do something about it!  Don’t rely on drugs to cover the symptoms, fix the cause.

How Can I Treat My Tension Headache?
It is very important to regulate and control the stress levels in your life.  Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help.  Chiropractic manipulation, acupressure, acupuncture and aromatherapy can help alleviate these headaches.  Postural exercises may be an important part of your therapy if the headache is posturally related.  Other therapies include nutrition, regular exercise, homeopathy and herbal remedies.  For more information, other suggestions, or questions feel free to contact Dr. Michael or Dr. Kristen at U.P. Health.