Tension headache: causes, symptoms and treatment

Tension headache is a common condition, we even tend to downplay it when it occurs, unless it is a pain too intense and persistent it is unusual for people to take steps to avoid this type of disease.

Regarding headaches, tension headaches are 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, in addition to its diagnosis and specific treatments.

• Related article: "The 11 types of headache and their characteristics"

What is tension headache?

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

The intensity and frequency of this type of headache are variable, but in general the appearance of this experience has to do with the habits and actions carried out during the hours or minutes prior to the moment in which this appears discomfort.

Symptoms often depend on the subject's stress levels, and when it occurs it usually lasts between thirty minutes to two hours.

Characteristics of this type of headache

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

• Scalp.
• Head.
• Expensive.
• Neck.
• Shoulders.

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

The prevalence of this condition occurs mostly in adults, especially in the female gender. Next we will review its main causes.

Main causes

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

Over time, certain specific jobs can cause tension headaches in people. Especially those jobs where it is required to stay in front of a computer for a long time.

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

The position of the neck directly influences headaches, maintain an atypical position while we are sitting or while we sleep will cause our neck to be loaded with muscle tension, which will inevitably trigger pain cephalic.

Risky habits

The biological habits associated with this type of headache are the following: frequent consumption of beverages alcoholic beverages, excess caffeine during the day (or the total absence of it) and excessive consumption of cigarettes

The habit of constantly grinding your teeth It can also cause the subject to have a tension headache, due to the tension generated in the muscles of the neck and face.

• You may be interested: "The 7 types of migraine (characteristics and causes)"

Differences with other similar annoyances

As we have seen previously, 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 migraines, a sharp pain appears usually on one side of the front of the head, while in tension headache discomfort is less intense and appears around the head. On the other hand, in headaches caused by cervical problems, the pain appears in the back of the skull, behind the crown.

Other less common types of headaches include exertional, intercourse, and cryostimulus headaches. In these types of headaches, the cause does not respond to emotional or organic origins, but rather it is specific situations that cause discomfort.

Diagnosis

Through a semi-structured interview, the patient is asked to describe his headache, classifying the levels on a scale according to the intensity and frequency at which it occurs. Also, normally an EEG is required to rule out any organic cause very specific if the pain is very severe or frequent.

Treatments

Once the diagnosis is made, the best treatment to control or eliminate pain is determined. head, which is adapted in each case taking into account the characteristics of the person and their habits. On 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 sharp and intense, the most advisable thing would be to take some medicine to calm it; Ibuprofen is one of the most common 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 life are the following:

• Get away from stressors.
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Get regular exercise.
• Avoid using electronic devices before sleeping.

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.