HEADACHE, TENSION

 Basic information

description

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. These headaches may occur 15 or more days out of a month (chronic) or less often (episodic).

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Dull, steady pain on both sides of the head. The pain may be mild to severe. It usually comes on gradually.
• Tight feeling or tenderness in the muscles of the head, neck, or scalp. "Like a band around the head." .
• Some people may clench their teeth.
• Tension headaches are different from migraines, which cause intense pain, usually on one side of the head. Migraines also cause nausea and light sensitivity.

causes

The cause is not clearly understood. It now appears that it is caused by a problem of the central nervous system and changes in brain chemicals. It has been thought the cause was stress and tension that puts strain on the muscles of the neck, scalp, face, and jaw. There are other possible causes being studied also.

risk increases with

• People who might get tension headaches:
  • Women (more often affected than men).
  • Those with a family history of headaches.
  • Those who are overworked on a continuous basis.
  • Those with chronic poor posture or sleep disorders.
  • Those who suffer from depression, stress, anxiety, or have certain chronic medical problems.
  • Those who abuse alcohol or other substances.
• Things that might bring on (trigger) tension headaches include:
  • A stressful event.
  • Not eating on time; caffeine withdrawal.
  • Intense physical exercise.
  • Taking certain drugs.
  • Hormone changes in women.
  • Eyestrain, fatigue, or having a cold or the flu.
  • Certain foods or drinks (for some people).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Avoid any of the risk factors when possible.

expected outcomes

Most tension headaches can be relieved with treatment, and do not disrupt home or work activities.

possible complications

• None expected for a simple headache.
• Chronic tension headaches may require trying several types of treatment. The headaches may continue if the risk factors are not changed or treated.
• Time lost from work. Reduced quality of life.
• Overuse, dependence, or addiction to therapy drugs.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Self-care can include mild pain relievers. If possible, stop what you are doing and try to relax. Take a hot bath or shower. Lie down. Place a warm or cold cloth, whichever feels better, over the aching area.
• Self-care is often effective for handling the headache. If that doesn't work, or the pain gets worse, or headaches occur often, see your health care provider.
• Your health care provider will do a physical exam, and ask questions about your symptoms and your lifestyle. Medical tests and blood studies may be done to make sure there is no other medical problem involved.
• Chronic tension headaches may be treated with different methods for stress reduction and relaxation techniques, and prescribed drugs. Drugs that have been overused for headache pain may need to be withdrawn.
• There are more treatment options that you and your health care provider may discuss. These may include physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, hypnosis, and others.
• To learn more: National Headache Foundation, 820 N. Orleans, Suite 217, Chicago, IL 60610, (888) 643-5552; website: www.headaches.org.

medications

• Use nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin (if over age 18), or acetaminophen.
• Stronger drugs for pain and drugs to prevent chronic tension headaches may be prescribed.

activity

• Exercise on a regular basis and get enough sleep.
• Ask your health care provider about exercises to stretch and strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.

diet

Eat a healthy diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has tension headaches and self-treatment steps are not working.
• Headaches recur or get worse despite treatment.
• New symptoms are caused by adverse drug reaction.

Special Notes: