Tension
Headaches
What
are Tension Headaches?
Tension
headaches are a condition involving pain or discomfort in
the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness
in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common
forms of headache.
Tension
headaches can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and
adolescents. If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several
months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.
Causes of
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp
muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress,
depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held
in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.
Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with
the hands, and use of a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping
with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type
of headache. Other causes of tension headaches include spinal misalignment,
eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine
use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and
influenza. Tension headaches are not associated with structural
lesions in the brain.
Symptoms
- Dull pain,
pressure-like
- Generalized
pain, worse in the scalp, temples or back of the neck
- Not one-sided
- Feels like
a tight band or vise on the head
- Occurs as
an isolated incident (or occurs constantly or daily)
- Worsened
or triggered by stress, fatigue, noise, glare, etc.
- Sleep disturbances
Treatment
Chiropractic care works on correcting misalignments that cause headaches
and relieving symptoms associated with tension headaches. To see
if chiropractic may be able to help you arrange to see the chiropractor
using the online appointment request or call 253-638-2424 today for a complimentary consultation.
|
