Tension headache is a common condition We even tend to downplay it when it occurs, unless it is a very intense and persistent pain, it is unusual for people to take measures to avoid this type of ailment.
Regarding headaches, tension headache is 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.
Tension headache is 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 part of the neck, and also the sides and the eye area.
The intensity and frequency of this type of headache are variable, but generally 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 discomfort appears.
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 pattern of tension in specific areas of the body that trigger the headache. The areas of the body where pressure generates this type of headache are the following:
When it happens that The muscles in these areas contract as a result of tension, tension headaches are often generated. However, it is not known for sure if this is the only cause of this type of headache, and it is likely that there are many more factors and variables at play.
The prevalence of this condition occurs mostly in adults, especially women. Below 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, can also cause this type of headache, as well as other work where the person has to perform considerable visual effort for a long time
The position of the neck directly influences headaches, maintaining an atypical position while sitting or while sleeping will cause our neck to become loaded with muscle tension, which will inevitably trigger head pain.
Risky habits
The biological habits associated with this type of headache are the following: frequent consumption of 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.
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 usually appears on one side of the front of the head, while in tension headache the 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 of the head.
Other less common types of headaches are headaches due to physical exertion, sexual intercourse, and cryostimulation. In these types of headaches, the cause does not respond to emotional or organic origins, but rather specific situations that cause discomfort.
Diagnosis
Through a semi-structured interview, the patient is asked to describe their headache, classifying the levels on a scale according to the intensity and frequency at which it occurs. Furthermore, usually An electroencephalogram is required to rule out any organic cause very specific if the pain is very intense or frequent.
Treatments
Once the diagnosis is made, the best treatment to control or eliminate headaches is determined, 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 negative thoughts that generate stress and anxiety in the subject
When the headache is acute and intense, it would be best to take some medication 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.
