Tension headaches are noted by a mild to moderate pain level that feels like a tight band circling the head. In healthcare, this is called a tension-type headache and though it is the most frequent type of headache experienced, there is disagreement about what causes it. Effective treatments are available and include a number of different methods.
Some experts do not believe that muscle contractions cause headache pain however sufferers often report that it feels this way. The discomfort may include a dull, aching pain and a feeling of pressure or tightness across the forehead and eyes and/or the back and sides of the head. Muscles of the shoulders, the neck, and the scalp may become tender and some people may have appetite loss when the pain is present. The condition may last only 30 minutes or as long as a week or more.
Severity of pain varies between patients and even from one headache to the next. Some patients report only occasional onset while others experience this type of headache almost constantly. If the condition occurs for at least 15 days each month for three months or longer, it is considered chronic. Otherwise, it is labeled episodic. Patients suffering from frequent episodic tension headaches are at increased risk of these becoming chronic.
Distinguishing between this condition and a migraine may be difficult. A significant difference is that a tension-type headache is not usually associated with nausea, visual disturbances, slurred speech, numbness or weakness of one side of the body, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Physical activity also does not typically aggravate the discomfort as it does with a migraine. Sensitivity to sound or light is not common as in the case of migraine headache.
Depression, stress, anxiety, poor posture, and clenching the jaw can trigger the pain. Common explanations of cause involve irritation of nerve projections to the head exhibited as heightened sensitivity to pain. If the condition becomes disruptive to the lifestyle but can be tolerated as far as pain level it is usually not considered an emergency. However emergency attention is advisable if the pattern or feeling of the pain changes. A severe headache can, on significant occasions, be an indication of a serious problem such as an aneurysm or brain tumor.
Overactive pain receptors in the body may result in the muscle tenderness that many patients experience. Good posture can reduce pressure on muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Correct posture supports and protects the entire body and permits efficient movement. Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine, which is the upper bones in the neck, has been shown to relieve irritated nerves and joints that can contribute to this condition.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics treated patients suffering from tension headaches with six weeks of medication or chiropractic care. Both groups reported reduced headache frequency and intensity. The patients treated with chiropractic care experienced fewer side effects and noted continued relief after the conclusion of the treatment. The patients who took the medication reported that their headache pain had returned.
Some experts do not believe that muscle contractions cause headache pain however sufferers often report that it feels this way. The discomfort may include a dull, aching pain and a feeling of pressure or tightness across the forehead and eyes and/or the back and sides of the head. Muscles of the shoulders, the neck, and the scalp may become tender and some people may have appetite loss when the pain is present. The condition may last only 30 minutes or as long as a week or more.
Severity of pain varies between patients and even from one headache to the next. Some patients report only occasional onset while others experience this type of headache almost constantly. If the condition occurs for at least 15 days each month for three months or longer, it is considered chronic. Otherwise, it is labeled episodic. Patients suffering from frequent episodic tension headaches are at increased risk of these becoming chronic.
Distinguishing between this condition and a migraine may be difficult. A significant difference is that a tension-type headache is not usually associated with nausea, visual disturbances, slurred speech, numbness or weakness of one side of the body, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Physical activity also does not typically aggravate the discomfort as it does with a migraine. Sensitivity to sound or light is not common as in the case of migraine headache.
Depression, stress, anxiety, poor posture, and clenching the jaw can trigger the pain. Common explanations of cause involve irritation of nerve projections to the head exhibited as heightened sensitivity to pain. If the condition becomes disruptive to the lifestyle but can be tolerated as far as pain level it is usually not considered an emergency. However emergency attention is advisable if the pattern or feeling of the pain changes. A severe headache can, on significant occasions, be an indication of a serious problem such as an aneurysm or brain tumor.
Overactive pain receptors in the body may result in the muscle tenderness that many patients experience. Good posture can reduce pressure on muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Correct posture supports and protects the entire body and permits efficient movement. Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine, which is the upper bones in the neck, has been shown to relieve irritated nerves and joints that can contribute to this condition.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics treated patients suffering from tension headaches with six weeks of medication or chiropractic care. Both groups reported reduced headache frequency and intensity. The patients treated with chiropractic care experienced fewer side effects and noted continued relief after the conclusion of the treatment. The patients who took the medication reported that their headache pain had returned.
About the Author:
Patricia Janis Thom is an author writing about health related topics. Are you looking for Pittsburgh North Hills Chiropractic? More information about Pittsburgh North Hills Chiropractic can be found at this website http://www.northhillspachiropractor.com.
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