Headaches are very common and estimated to be the ninth most common reason to visit the doctor. Tension-type headaches are the most common and occur in a third to three-quarters of people over their life. These headaches are often described as a constant ache or pressure around the head, particularly in the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. While they usually range from mild to moderate, they can be quite disruptive to daily life. Cervicogenic headaches, a type of tension headache, arise from the upper neck joints and can be treated in the same way as other spinal joint disorders.
What Causes Tension Headache?
The underlying causes of tension headaches remain unclear. However, it is known that both physical and psychological elements play a role. Some known causes include:
- Poor posture and musculoskeletal problems of the cervical (neck) region (known as a cervicogenic headache)
- Stress and anxiety
- Eye strain
- Sinus infections
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
Stress symptoms may result in poor posture and cause sustained, low-level contraction of the scalp and neck muscles, although there is no good evidence that muscles are responsible for this type of pain. While muscle contraction has not been directly shown to be the source of pain, studies have shown that sufferers may have weaker neck extension muscles, the muscles that keep the neck up in normal posture.
As medical conditions, such as sinus infections and eyesight problems, can cause headaches, constant or frequent headaches should always be reviewed by a medical practitioner.
Who Gets Tension Headache?
They are very common throughout the population, are thought to start off in the teenage years and occur in women 50% more often than in men.
Tension Headache Symptoms
- Tight or pressure pain in the forehead, temples or at the back of the head
- Can be both sided or only on one side
- Mild to moderate in severity, lasting between 30 minutes to a few days
- Not made worse with physical activity
Tension Headache Treatment
The underlying cause of tension headaches must be identified and corrected if treatment is to have a useful effect. This can include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), regular exercising, good diet and a good sleep routine. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and restore normal hormonal levels over time.
Physiotherapy can help with musculoskeletal headaches by teaching relaxation, performing mobilisation techniques, giving exercises, manual muscle stretching and trigger point treatments. Soft tissue massage and acupuncture have also been shown to have beneficial effects on headache. Patients should continue a programme of relaxation, cervical range of motion exercises, stretches and overall fitness training.
References:
- Tension Headache – Medscape
- Headache – Tension Type. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Last Review Date: 17-10-2024
Next Review Date: 16-10-2025
